Over 140 supervisors, employees, businesses, sponsors, guests and partners attended the AFCD’s 4th Annual Conference held August 14-17 at the Bay Point Marriott in Panama City. 

“This was, by far, our largest conference yet” said Wilbur Dean, Past President.  “We had overwhelming support from our partners including NRCS, FDACS/OAWP, Florida Farm Bureau, NACD, RC&D’s and so many others”

Opening Session began with an inspiring presentation from John Redding, NACD President from Monroe, GA.  Redding was impressed with how far the AFCD has come in such a short period of time. He also discussed the programs and staff of NACD, the latest partnership program with the Smithsonian, the new “Dig It” Soils Exhibit,  and the Farm Bill.  Redding explained the need for funding to the “Capitol Court Campaign” to renovate the NACD building in Washington D.C.. Suwanee CD and Yellow River SWCD stood up and generously donated $1000 to the cause.

Following Redding, Carlos Suarez, our new State Conservationist, powerfully expressed his support of all the conservation districts in the state and has put an emphasis on our partnership with NRCS.  Suarez hopes to visit with each of the districts in Florida. With all NRCS’s District Conservationists, Area Conservationists, RC&D coordinators and other NRCS staff attending, Suarez’s commitment to Florida’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts and AFCD was resolute.

A sample of presentations and trainings offered at the conference included those on carbon trading, farm to fuel, public speaking, grant writing, recruiting volunteers, funding, and keeping our districts legal.  In addition, nine individual districts shared their top programs and success stories with the attendees.