From Farm to Label: 2025 Farm City Luncheon Decodes the Science (and Myths) Behind Food Labels

PALM CITY, Fla. — If you’ve ever stood in the grocery aisle wondering what words like “organic,” “cage-free,” or “sustainably sourced” really mean — you’re not alone. At this year’s Farm City Luncheon, you’ll finally get answers.

On Thursday, November 20, One Martin and the Martin County Farm Bureau will host the 8th Annual Farm City Luncheon at 11:30 am at the Rockin’ H Ranch in Palm City. The theme, “Label Logic: Decoding Your Food,” will unpack what’s marketing, what’s myth, and what’s grounded in science when it comes to food labels.

“This luncheon is a great reminder that agriculture is a major economic driver in Martin County and in a state of constant change,” said Rick Hartman, President of One Martin. “I find this year’s topic to be especially practical for everyone who consumes agricultural products – and that, of course, is everyone!”

The keynote speakers — both experts from the University of Florida — bring real-world knowledge to the conversation:

• Dr. Danielle Treadwell, Associate Professor and State Extension Specialist of Sustainable and USDA-Organic Vegetable Crop Production. She will share how soil health, crop quality, and human health are connected — and how food labeling fits into the bigger picture.  Dr. Treadwell is tenured in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at the University of Florida.
• Dr. Todd Thrift, Associate Professor of Cow-Calf Management, Beef Cattle Nutrition and Stocker Feedlot Management at the University of Florida. He will explore what labels mean for livestock and the sustainability of Florida agriculture for future generations. In his extension role with IFAS, Dr. Thrift collaborates with both large and small producers across Florida, offering expertise in nutrition, reproduction, genetics, meat science and animal health.

Together, they’ll help consumers shop and eat with confidence, while shining a light on the farmers and ranchers working behind the scenes.

The Farm City Luncheon has become a beloved community tradition, always selling out as it brings together farmers, ranchers, business and civic leaders, and local residents. Past events have featured multigenerational farm families, aquaculture tastings, and stories from the fields and ranchlands that shape our county’s economy and way of life.

This year’s event promises plenty of “aha!” moments — along with a delicious, locally sourced, farm-to-table meal and the chance to connect with neighbors who help put food on our tables every day.

Tickets go fast so become a sponsor of the 2025 Farm City Luncheon today and guarantee your seats, or secure individual tickets for $65 each.  For more information go to www.onemartin.org/farm-city-week, email info@onemartin.org , or call 772-287-5272.

About One Martin

One Martin is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a more informed citizenry and providing opportunities for civil discussion on topics of importance to Martin County. To learn more, visit www.onemartin.org or follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OneMartinCounty