UF AND FDACS SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT: EXPANDING PRODUCTION THROUGH NEW IDEAS AND PROTECTED STRUCTURES
Sustainable Agriculture
M. Allison Meharg
Extension Agent I
University of Florida
Cantonment
Abstract
Meharg, M.A*. 1, Johnson, L. 1, Mullahey, J. 2, Schnell, R. 3, Wendt, W. 4, and Holley, K. 5.\r\n\r\n1. Extension Agents, UF IFAS Extension, Escambia County, Cantonment, Florida 32533 \r\n2. UF IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center Director, Milton, FL 32583\r\n3. UF IFAS WFREC Cropping System Specialist, Jay, FL 32565\r\n4. UF IFAS WFREC Specialty Crop Program Manager, Jay, FL 32565\r\n5. PFMA Executive Director, Jay, FL 32565\r\n\r\n In the US, Florida has the highest percentage increase (27%) in number of small farms growing specialty crops. Consumers are demanding locally grown food yet the production and distribution is not able to meet this demand, partially because production occurs only in the spring-summer growing seasons and a lack of local and regional markets. To meet the need of farmers and then consumers, a partnership was formed between the West Florida Research and Education Center, UF/IFAS Extension, and Panhandle Fresh Marketing Association. Goals: 1) To increase the supply of specialty crops by value/total sales and by extending the growing season from 7 to 12 months to provide year round sales opportunity and 2) expanding markets by providing at least 20 farmers with an improved regional distribution system. Outcomes: The team hosted four field days (Hi Tunnel, Shade Production, Fall Production, and Food Safety/Marketing) that reached 379 participants, 3 food safety programs that reached over 40 producers, several food safety training demonstrations to enable producers to see an easy way to become food safety compliant, and over 15 tours in 2011. From post program evaluations, local producers reported an increase in the total number of protected production structures and an increase in the total number of growers applying for NRCS Loans for new growing structures. Impact: In 2011 and early 2012, ¬39 number of specialty crop farmers signed up to participate in the Panhandle Fresh Marketing Association, with a total value of $97000 of local produce reaching regional consumers.
Authors: Meharg, M.
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Meharg, M. Extension Agent I, University Of Florida, Florida, 32533