FFF Passes FL Dept. of Ag. Inspection

caption: Dell deChant (left) with Gary Webb (right), representing the Florida Department of Agriculture after a successful inspection of Friendship Farms & Farm nursery located in New Port Richey.

Friendship Farms & Fare recently passed its annual inspection by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. As a nursery featuring Loquat saplings and organic produce, Friendship Farms & Fare is required by law to be inspected and certified. The inspection was overseen by Gary Webb, an environmental specialist for the departments division of plant industry. Annually the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry is responsible for the protection of Florida's vast plant industries, native plant life, and the public through the exclusion, detection, eradication and control of injurious plant pests and diseases. The department's Division of Plant Industry is the regulatory agency responsible for the implementation of laws, rules, regulations and various programs pertaining to plants and plant pests. Department of Agriculture inspects certified gardens like Friendship Farms & Fare.

Community gardens and farmers markets are a distinct part of American culture and a unique feature of many Florida towns and cities. Each reflects the area's charm with locally produced specialties, such as fruits, vegetables, nursery stock and other products that can be sold directly to the public. Friendship Farms & Fare is part of the New Port Richey FarmNet, which also includes East Madison Growers, Habitat For Humanity Gardens, Grand Gardens, Rose’s Thursday Market, and other residential and market gardens. For information about Friendship Farms & Fare contact Sylvia Spencer at (407) 488-5018