Established in 1970, we are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and furthering the cultivation and use of tropical and rare fruit in South Florida and throughout the world.

President's Message

Hope Everyone had a Wonderful Independence Day!

As I pondered what to share with you this month, it became clear since we are having Virtual Club Meetings. Why not get serious about local Virtual Garden Tours. There has been some discussion amongst the RFC Board about putting a program together with local vendor nurseries, small farms and backyard gardeners who are interested in showing us "what you got going on these days!"

After checking out a few sites online of virtual garden tours around the world, such as gardensillustrustrated.com; parade.com however there are a few edible garden tour on youtube entitled June 2016 Garden Tour with Tropical Fruit Trees (Louisiana Tropical Garden & Travel). Tropical Fruit Orchard Tour South Florida Fall 2018; Florida Food Forest in Fort Lauderdale with Dave the Good (Tour 2017) and Rare Tropical Fruit Collector - Food Forest (April 2018) who gave a shout out to Gary Zill!.

I think we have the wherewithal to do it right here in Palm Beach County and feature it on youtube! What do you think? Well we will have to work out the logistics to capture your luscious fruits and veggies while maintaining our social distances. Perhaps, we can start with a volunteer to see how this may work for us. Many of you have a myriad of value added productions going on at your properties such as bees for honey, chickens for eggs, goats for milk, fish stocked ponds, herbs for medicinal purposes in addition to your mature fruit bearing trees.

Certainly, this can be the first step in re-branding the Rare Fruit Council during this challenging time to continue the pursuit of our mission. . ."promoting and furthering the cultivation and use of tropical and rare fruit in South Florida and throughout the world." People are not able to come to the meetings or shop at our plant sales due to the global pandemic. However we can consider a pilot virtual tour and mini garden sale to cultivate a plant or two you believe would be perfect in your own home garden! 

What an awesome opportunity to become more innovative, stay safe and enjoy life simultaneously. Let's put our thoughts together to make this happen in the next 30-days. This is a SMART Goal. . .it is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timely and within our power to achieve. If you are on onboard with this idea. Let us know your thoughts by sending an e-mail to Board@pbrarefruitcouncil.org. 

Have you thought about selling your produce or other commodities from home? Wondered if your property is eligible for an agricultural exemption or what is required? This month's speaker is Mr. Keith Alexander, Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Agricultural Services Director. He will present the agricultural purposes, uses and be available to answer your questions. This Friday, July 10, 2020 on our upcoming Virtual Club Meeting. A google invite email has already gone out to the club. If you have not received it, please contact Dennis@pbrarefruitcouncil.org.  We are looking forward to seeing or hearing from you soon!   Debra Marcelle-Coney, Ph.D. RFC President

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July Speaker 

Mr. Keith Alexander, RES, CFE Manager 

PBC Property Appraiser Office

Agricultural Services 

myfarm@pbcgov.org

What does agricultural purposes or agricultural use of my property means? How can I get it?

August Meeting 

2021 Board Nominations

RFC Budget Update

September Meeting 

2021 Board Elections

Speaker to be Announced