- December 4, 2025
The Volusia County Council approved the first phase of a new inmate farming program on Thursday, designed to reduce costs and create future job opportunities for incarcerated individuals after release. The initiative not only supports daily operations at the correctional facility but also invests in programs that help prepare inmates for successful reentry into the community.
Phase I expands the Corrections Division's existing gardening program to include an additional one-acre area at the correctional facility. The expansion will enable inmates to cultivate a variety of seasonal crops, including lettuce, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions. These vegetables are among the most commonly used in inmate meals, making the program a natural way to supplement food supplies and reduce reliance on outside providers.
Additionally, the outdoor activity and skills-based learning can support mental health well-being and help prepare inmates for reentry into the community, further decreasing the likelihood of recidivism. This effort is part of Volusia County's broader Second Chance Reentry Services program, which also includes GED preparation and exams, forklift training and certification, barbering, virtual welding, and other programs designed to provide practical skills and pathways for rehabilitation.
Planting is scheduled to start in early 2026. Phase II, which could introduce a chicken program and further expand fresh food production, skill-building, and reentry opportunities for inmates, is scheduled for future consideration.
