BUILDING CAPACITY FOR FLORIDA'S SMALL FARM INDUSTRY & EXTENSION WITH A STATEWIDE CONFERENCE
Extension Education
Robert Kluson
EXT AGT III, AG/NATURAL RESOURCES
SARASOTA
Abstract
Based on the USDA definition, over 90% of the 47,000 farms in Florida are small farms. They represent most of the 8% increase in farm numbers from 2002 to 2007 and the nation's highest percentage (38%) of beginning farm operators. Their common characteristics include dependence upon family for management and labor, a focus on direct marketing and alternative enterprises, and numerous market and institutional barriers to success. To meet the needs of these small farmers, the UF-IFAS Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Focus Team of over 80 state and county faculty assembled in 2007 a Stakeholder Planning Committee of 30 members to plan the first statewide conference for small farmers. The result was a two-day event that included a broad program of presentations lead by specialists and farmers; a large trade show; a live animal demonstration area, a keynote address, and innovative farmer awards,. Food featuring products from Florida small farms were also coordinated for refreshment breaks and lunches. Additional educational programs included an in-service workshop for extension agents on small farm issues and a public forum on food policy council. The majority of the 800 attendees responded in a post-event evaluation that the networking was as equally valuable as the educational content. Key elements to this success included the two-year planning period, support from IFAS's Office of Conferences and Institutes, and strong partnerships with community-based and institutional organizations. A second statewide conference will be held in July 2010 in order to expand the success of the statewide conference approach.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: R.A. Kluson, D.T. Treadwell, N.M. Wilson, S.A. Kelly, R.C. Hochmuth
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Kluson, R. Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent II, UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension, Florida, 34241
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Treadwell, D. Assistant Professor, UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, Florida, 32611
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Wilson, N. Extension Agent I, UF/IFAS Marion County Extension, Florida, 33470
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Kelly, S. Extension Agent II, UF/IFAS Sumter County Exgtension, Florida, 33513
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Hochmuth, R. Extension Agent IV, UF/IFAS NFREC, Florida, 32060