Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Early in September, the Florida Agritourism Association (FATA) bid a fond farewell to their founder, Lisa Ard, and announced the appointment of Tony Hogg to the position of Director.
FATA is a statewide organization that is dedicated to the support of the ever-growing agritourism market across the state of Florida. Agritourism is a word that references the combination of tourism and agriculture, two of Florida's largest industries. Agritourism allows farmers and other agriculture businesses to open up their farms or other agri-businesses to the public for entertainment, education or promotion. Agritourism businesses and activities include U-Pick fruit and flower farms, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, Christmas tree farms and other on-farm markets, vineyards and wineries, demonstration farms, farm stays, tours and camps, farm-to-table dining, equine agritourism such as horseback riding, trail riding and boarding facilities, hunting and fishing leases for land and more.
FATA welcomes the expertise and leadership of Tony Hogg as their newest director, and recognizes his experience both as a current agritourism operator and as a former leader for other associations. Hogg currently operates Full Moon Apiary, a commercial beekeeping business located in Monticello, Fla. Full Moon is well-known for producing honey, beeswax candles, natural soaps and lotions, and their bees are also frequently employed by area farmers for pollination services.
Hogg served previously as president of the Florida State Beekeepers Association and helped seek funding from the Florida Legislature to construct a research lab for honeybees at the University of Florida. He also served as the former president of the American Harbor and Docking Pilots Association and the Florida Docking Masters Association. He is a veteran of the United States Merchant Marine, and retired in 2018 after navigating vessels for fifty years; his last post was as a first-class pilot managing and providing safe navigation for sea-going vessels on the St. John’s River.
Lena Juarez, Executive Director for FATA, stated the following in a recent press release, “All of our members and the staff will sincerely miss Lisa’s enthusiasm and ingenuity as we continue to grow the association. It’s good to know she is always available to lend us a hand and some expert advice at any time. Having Tony join the association in her stead will make for a seamless transition.”
Hogg offered a statement to Monticello News, “I’m excited to be appointed as a Director with the Florida Agritourism Association, a state-wide organization dedicated to the promotion and expansion of agritourism throughout Florida. Every time you visit a u-pick orchard, a crop maze, or go to a barn wedding, you’re supporting agriculture and tourism in Florida, so go visit a farm today!"
For more information about FATA, or to see a list of Florida agritourism opportunities near you, contact Lena Juarez at (850) 254-5355 or email visitflordafarms@ gmail.com. You can also visit the FATA website at www. visitfloridafarms.com.
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