Magnolia Organics was created in the summer of 2008 to supply locally grown certified organic produce to the Tampa Bay area. Our family-owned operation was created as an off-shoot from All Native LLC, a wholesale native plant nursery since 1981. All of their endeavors are dedicated to sustainable activities with an emphasis on locally produced products. The idea of starting a certified organic farm was very appealing to us. With over 30 years of experience growing unique Florida species, our staff was well prepared to take on this new frontier. Through a partnership with Sweetwater Organic Community Farm, we were able to start with a ready market and expert advice. Now, in our third growing season, we have increased our production area and have plenty of room to expand for future needs.
Supporting your local organic grower can help to maintain a healthy environment and community for you and your family. Most of the money spent on local production is also beneficial because it stays in the community, "greening up" your local economy. Minimizing handling and transportation costs not only reduces the environmental impact, but helps us to provide you with a higher quality product resulting in a longer shelf life. They grow a variety of seasonal vegetables throughout the months of October—June.
Organic VS Conventional Foods
Links for Further Information:
http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~insects/robson/All%20about%20Organic.pdf
http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/urbanfringe/pdfs/urbanfringe-v04n01.pdf
Sweetwater Organic Farm
Sweetwater Organic Community Farm was established in 1995 as a nonprofit community-supported urban organic farm and environmental education center in Tampa, Florida. We are located on 6 acres of suburban property along the Sweetwater Creek in Tampa’s Town ‘n’ Country neighborhood, in Hillsborough County, Florida. Sweetwater Farm is not in Pasco County, but it has served as a consultant helping local organic farmers. It is a great example of a successful community garden project
We operate a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Membership program,Sweetwater Sunday Farmers’ Market and Music Series open to the public, educational field trip programs for visiting groups, farm tours, workshops, outdoor movies, seasonal events, volunteer opportunities and more!
At Sweetwater, community members come together to grow and enjoy fresh organic food, acquire sustainable living skills, support local agriculture, enjoy nature, make new friends and be a part of the community.
What is Organic?
Organic refers to a specific method of growing and processing foods, and is defined as produce grown, packaged and stored without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or irradiation. Instead, organic farmers use a blend of old and new technologies and scientific research to balance the Earth’s natural ecosystem. They work with nature to build and replenish the nutrients in the soil through crop rotations, composting and cultivation. This encourages healthy soils which produce healthy plants that are naturally more pest and disease resistant.
What does it mean to be Certified Organic?
To be considered “certified organic” under the Code of Federal Regulations 7 CFR Part 205, products must meet the following standards:
– No harmful chemicals have been applied to the land for at least three years.
Sweetwater Organic Farm
6942 West Comanche Ave
Tampa, Florida 33634
Welcome to Farms and Food
Food News
Pasco County still has a significant amount of cultival land and also have a growing number of organic and you-pick farms.
Information about where we get our food and how it effects our lives.. Please use our website to learn more about area farms and foods. We hope you will come to support local farmers at all levels.
Another valuable resource is the Pasco Cooperative Extension. If you haven't met the Cooperative Extension faculty and staff in Pasco county, make a visit to the east office to meet them and learn more about their services. They have an unique role in your community.
Your county Extension faculty offer educational services in Pasco through a three-way cooperative arrangement between the Board of County Commissioners, the University of Florida, and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Here's how to find our shop.
By car
Drive along Main Street to the intersection with First Avenue. Look for our sign.
By foot
From the center of town, walk north on Main Street until you see our sign.
By bus
Take the #73 Bus to the last stop. We are on the north east corner.
