By Tamas Mondovics
In its continued effort to assist its veterans Hillsborough County has once again arranged to host a free bus tour of local agriculture businesses to provide military veterans, reservists, transitioning active-duty personnel, and their spouses an opportunity to explore career options in the agriculture industry.
Hillsborough County has the fourth largest Veteran population in Florida boasting of nearly 100,000.
The Military Agriculture Tour is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Friday, January 19, 2018, from Hillsborough County Extension Service, 5339 County Road 579 in Seffner.
According to County officials, today’s agriculture industries increasingly focus on using technology and management systems for the production of food, medicine, consumer products, and energy, which is playing a significant role in assisting tour participants to be introduced to career paths and job opportunities within modern production agriculture operations and supporting industries.
During past tours local vets had a chance to visit and meet with local farmers at such facilities as Fancy Farms Vegetable Farm; Harrell’s Nursery; Oak Ridge Fish Hatchery, and Keel & Curley Winery.
“The tour will take participants to a variety of farming operations and the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in southern Hillsborough County,” said County Agribusiness Development Manager, Simon Bollin. “The tour is an opportunity to support our local vets who are now looking to transition into civilian life.”
The tour is possible thanks to a partnership between Hillsborough County Economic Development, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, Hillsborough County Extension Service, and community partners.
Bollin emphasized that at each stop, local officials and participating business owners will highlight the diversity of agricultural operations in Hillsborough County.
More information on Military Agriculture Tour community partners and career resources for transitioning veterans are available at HillsboroughCounty.org/Vets2Ag.
Pre-registration at www.eventbrite.com/e/military-agriculture-tour-tickets-19223128896 is required. Seating is limited. Lunch is provided.
Contact Simon Bollin, agribusiness development manager, at 276-2735 or bollins@HillsboroughCounty.org.
