Small farms represent over 90% of all farms in Florida, based on the USDA definition of a small farm as one with up to $250,000 in sales. These farms make about 15% of all farm product sales in Florida. Input from counties throughout Florida indicated the need for small farm educational programs to be developed. Small farmers and allied organizations have identified critical issues facing small farms. The issues include access to profitable markets, business skills development, accessible technical information, and alternative crops and enterprises. The Small Farms team provides this web site so you can find commonly needed information from “getting started” to “evaluating an alternative enterprise”, to “finding a market”, all in one place on the web. In addition, the team coordinates several regional small farms conferences each year. You can find the conference schedule by visiting the Calendar of Events section of the web site.
UF/IFAS Small Farms Academy at the Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center in cooperation with Local County
Extension presents: Starting a Successful Hydroponic Business Workshop – March 12-13 or March 16-17 , 2012
This workshop is perfect for the small farmer wanting to start a business using controlled growing systems to provide high quality locally grown products for local markets as well as families looking for an interesting hobby that will provide fresh flowers, vegetables and herbs. The course will feature hands-on activities inside 3 greenhouses, a shade house and an outdoor production area.
The facility is one of the best in the southeast for teaching hydroponic growing in an actual operating greenhouse setting. The optional grower tour will be an exclusive visit inside one of the most successful and modern greenhouse
hydroponic operations in Florida.
Registration form
Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference July 27 – 29 Kissimmee, Florida
To provide farmers with up-to-date, research-based, in-depth educational information. The conference aims to facilitate solutions-based collaboration by encouraging networking and an open dialog among members of Florida’s small farms community. Additionally, the conference is an excellent vehicle for increasing awareness of Florida’s small farms industry, which organizers accomplish by including participation from decision makers and supporting institutions, and partners from the public sector.
Visit Alternative Conference Website