Florida Food and Farm Magazine Launches in Florida

If you've ever wanted a one-stop shop to find all the area farms, farmers' markets, artisan food crafters, and more, your prayers have just been answered.

Former Clean Plate Charlie contributor and South Florida food writer Jan Norris has stepped into her latest role as editor for a new magazine known as Florida Food and Farm. The free, 80-page quarterly publication is something new to the local food scene with the goal of connecting Florida farmers, food producers, and local markets to consumers.

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"This was a project I could really get behind and one that I believe in," said Norris, a third-generation Florida native. "We think the time is right for a publication like this one, especially with so many people caring about where their food is coming from, how it's grown, and the push for local, farm-to-table eating."

Florida Food and Farm is the brainchild of South Florida resident and farmer Daphne Weaver. Weaver, originally from Arkansas, was looking for a local, South Florida version of her favorite publication, the Arkansas Food and Farm magazine, a comprehensive directory of specialty product growers, producers, artisans, chefs, and farmers' markets from across the state. A calendar lists festivals and food events in the area.

When she couldn't find anything, Weaver -- who recently founded Botanica Exchange in Cocoa Beach -- decided to create her own Florida-specific version. The magazine contains directories for farms, local artisans, nonprofits, farm-to-table restaurants, and companies specializing in local food. Editorial content includes interviews with Florida chefs using local ingredients, start-up companies, farm profiles, and more.

With a circulation of 100,000, the magazine serves readers in most of Southeast and South Central Florida, from Sebastian around Lake Okeechobee to the Keys. On the West Coast, circulation includes Naples and the Plant City region.

"We hope to play a role in reshaping the food landscape in our communities as farmers are connected to markets and restaurants, helping to grow those businesses as well their own farms," Weaver said.

According to Norris, Florida Food and Farm has been well-received since its launch January 22 in Miami-Dade County.

"We've received a phenomenal response from people, both farmers and the public," said Norris. "This is just what Florida needs."

Look for the publication to be on shelves in select Broward and Palm Beach County Publix, Publix Greenwise, Whole Foods Market locations, as well as some brick-and-mortar farmers' markets from the Keys to Sebastian. Moving forward, plans to distribute the magazine as far north as Tampa are in the works.

"This publication is a terrific resource for people on both sides of the story," said Norris. "Whether you're a consumer looking for a farm or a farmer looking to get your product recognized, our mission is to support the agricultural community in South Florida."

The offices of Florida Food and Farm are at 803 Lake Ave., Lake Worth. Call 561-719-7947, or email [email protected]. To submit a directory listing, visit floridafoodandfarm.com and click "submit listing."

Nicole Danna is a food blogger covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on Clean Plate's Instagram.