Dear Members,

As President of the Board of Directors, I am honored to share some of the incredible

accomplishments and updates from the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance (RHSFA). These

milestones are a testament to our shared commitment to nurturing local farmers,

fostering community connections, and strengthening the vibrant local food system that sustains us all. Your unwavering support makes this progress possible, and we are

deeply grateful.

Operational Success and Growth

Resilience Amid Challenges: 2024 marked a significant milestone, with sales at

the Red Hills Online Market (RHO Market) surpassing 2023 figures, including

remarkable growth across several product categories. Despite the adversity

posed by Hurricane Helene, the RHO Market exemplified resilience, maintaining

robust performance and continuing to serve our community.

Expanding Local Reach: In 2024, we welcomed hundreds of new customers,

added dedicated producers to our roster, and established additional hubs,

ensuring greater accessibility to fresh, locally grown food.

Streamlining Communications: To enhance operational efficiency, we

transitioned to a new domain and email system, enabling clearer and more

effective communication with our members and stakeholders. In addition, our

website (www.redhillssfa.com) is going through a significant upgrade and very

soon will be more informative and interactive and provide farmers and producers with

a secure portal for messaging as well as educational and development

opportunities.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Promoting Food Equity: Collaborations with Second Harvest of the Big Bend,

FSU Food Pantry, Frenchtown Neighborhood Improvement Association, and

others have broadened food access, ensuring that more individuals in our

community can enjoy the benefits of fresh, locally sourced produce.

Advocating for Local Agriculture: Through engaging presentations at venues

such as Westminster Oaks and the Tallahassee Rotary Club, we amplified the

importance of local food systems and inspired greater community involvement.

Fostering Collaboration: By sponsoring events like the Millstone Institute Fall

Farm Tour and forging partnerships with organizations such as Florida Organic

Growers, we are strengthening the networks that support sustainable agriculture

in our region.

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