Agenda Details & Keynote Will Allen: Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference

 

Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference July 31 & August 1, 2010 Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee, Florida http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu Announcing Agenda Session Details and Keynote Speaker Will Allen, Growing Power, Inc.     The Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference is hosted by  University of Florida/IFAS and Florida A& M University, CESTA Reserve Booth Space Now Space is going quickly! Don't miss the chance to expand your customer base and showcase new products to existing clientele. This conference is the ideal venue to introduce your products to the Florida farm community. If you are interested in exhibiting, we urge you to reserve space now. Click here for more information on exhibiting     Registration is Open Receive the early bird special of $110 when you register before July 12. CLICK HERE to learn more about participating Please note registration increases to $160 after July 12 and is subject to availability.     Registration Scholarships for Florida Small Farmers If you are a Florida small farmer and will need financial assistance to attend the conference, you have an opportunity to apply for a full or partial registration scholarship, up to a $110 value. Click Here to Apply Applications must be completed and sent by June 15 for consideration.     Lodging A variety of lodging facilities are offering reduced rates to small farm conference attendees. These accommodations will likely fill before the discounted rates expire, so make your reservation early. Click here to read more about lodging locations, amenities, and to make a reservation at reduced rates.       Questions Educational Program Danielle Treadwell Educational Program Chair TEL: 352-392-1928 EMAIL: ddtreadw@ufl.edu Exhibitor Information Susan Kelly Exhibitor Chair TEL: 352-793-2728 Email: sakelly@ufl.edu General Information Mandy Stage Conference Coordinator TEL: 352-392-5930 Email: mstage@ufl.edu     Join Our Announcement List After entering your email address, select the "Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises" from the publicity list.     Quick Links Agenda-at-a-Glance Sponsors/Partnerships Become a Sponsor Become an Exhibitor Registration Information Meeting Site & Directions Hotels & Camping Greetings! We are delighted to announce the educational session details for the 2010 Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference! The conference will feature presentations, workshops, demonstrations, and discussions on a wide range of topics covering  Alternative Enterprises, Alternative Energy, Business and Marketing, Horticulture, Livestock, Organic and Sustainable Farming, and Policy and Regulations. Click here to view the agenda with the session details. When viewing, move your mouse over the session titles for a full description on each one.  Also featured will be Florida foods, live animal exhibits, educational posters and a large exhibition with organizations and companies showcasing new products and technologies. Read more about conference activities by clicking on "Florida SF/AE Conference" located on the Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises website. http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu     Will Allen to give the Keynote Address Recently named to Time's 100: World's Most Influential People list, Will Allen is a John D. and Catherine T. McArthur Foundation Fellow (2008) and winner of a prestigious McArthur "genius grant". The organization has one simple goal: "to grow food, to grow minds, and to grow community". More...   Who Should Attend * Small to Mid-sized   Family Farmers * Institutional Food   Service Providers * Beginning Farmers * Allied-industry Reps * Educators * Researchers * Policy-makers * Agricultural Associations * Foundations * City/Regional Planners * Anyone Interested in Strengthening Florida's Food System     Why You Should Attend Discover the latest information, products and technologies to: · Increase your productivity · Diversify your operations · Increase your profitability   Listen to cutting-edge presentations that address: · Emerging state/federal programs · New production and marketing strategies · Future industry trends   Take advantage of the many networking opportunities throughout the conference to: · Feel empowered! Find solutions that fit your needs · Feel inspired! Meet new colleagues with similar interests · Feel energized! Share your expertise and strengthen   Florida's food system.     Sponsors It is with great pleasure we recognize the following organizations for their commitment and support of the 2010 conference.  Sustaining Partner The University of Florida/IFAS Platinum Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Gold Florida A&M University/CESTA Silver Aramark Verti-Gro Destiny Organics USDA Farm Service Agency Florida Farm Bureau Federation & Florida Farm Bureau Insurance Global Organics Specialty Source, Inc. Farm Credit of Florida   Bronze Hani's Mediterranean Organics Florida Association of Community Farmers Markets   If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact Bob Hochmuth, chair of the fund raising committee.     Sponsorship Opportunities Aligning your organization with the 2010 conference provides you with the opportunity to strengthen relationships with producers, marketers, researchers, educators, small farms associations, policy makers, and allied industry representatives, and reinforce your continued commitment to Florida's farmers. Boost your organization's presence and become a Sponsor today! Learn more about sponsorship benefits     On Facebook? Check out the Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference Fan page. Fan Page     Help Spread the Word This conference will be a wonderful opportunity for anyone who is interested in any aspect of farming in Florida. We would appreciate it if you could forward this announcement to any of your friends and colleagues who may be interested in attending.

 

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Drosophila suzukii update May 21, 2010

The Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) has now been confirmed in 23 counties in the southern half of the state.

 

Although we continue to monitor the spread of the adult population and are sampling blueberries and blackberries in areas where the adults are being found, there have been no reports or finds of sever infestations or damage to either crop in Florida to this date.    There have been very few finds of SWD in blueberries and blackberries in the past couple of weeks, but nothing of significance to report.   We continue to examine possible hosts in Florida and are expanding the list of native and introduced hosts.

 

 

David Dean, Ph.D.

Entomologist

Fruit Fly Laboratory

923 10th Street East

Palmetto, FL 34221

(941) 721-6655

SWFSFN Update: July 31-Aug 1 FL Small Farm Conference - only 67 more days to go!

Greetings to members and  supporters of the SW FL Small Farmer Network (SWFSFN).  I’m sharing with you this update of the upcoming FL Small Farm Conference because there is important news for your consideration in your plans to attend it.  I hope that you will assist me distribute this information to your fellow small farmers and associate stakeholders of your local foodshed, such as your customers and grower association.  Please, let folks know, that the program of the Conference has something for everyone.

 

The PUBLIC online registration is fully functional on the conference website (see http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/floridasmallfarmsconference/2010/index.shtml)

Important deadlines include the following:

a)    There are only 21 days to the June 15th deadline for applications for the Farmer Scholarships.   

b)    There are only 48 days to the July 12th deadline for the 'Early Bird' registration deadline for the most economical price of $110 for both days.  Afterwards it increases to $160 !!

c)     Also, please, ask folks to consider donating to the worthy cause of Farmer Scholarships when they register.

 

The Conference website has been updated to reflect our keynote speaker. Check it out! http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/ .   A 1 page (2-sided) publicity flier is now available for your use, and is attached. Please distribute widely!   Also, please, make use and advertise the following:

a.    There is a YouTube Channel for the Conference (the 1^st video is of one of last year’s Innovative Farmer Awardees, Lynn Steward. More to Come . . .)  Got to http://www.youtube.com/user/smallfarmsuf

b.    The conference has now been set up as a “fan page” on Facebook. http://tinyurl.com/floridasmallfarmsconference

c.    Articles about FL small farmers are available on the conference homepage, under “Additional Information” – see ‘Small farms in the News’.

d.    The conference now has a Blog!!  Go to http://floridasmallfarms.blogspot.com/  This feature is still another effort to keep everyone informed about the continuing additions to the Conference, as well as give all attendees an opportunity to make comments about the posted news.

 

Thanks, 

 

Robert

 

 

Robert A. Kluson, Ph.D.

AG/NR Extension Agent

UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension

6700 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL  3241

(941) 232-3090; FAX (941) 861-9886

http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/AG/ag.shtml

 

 

 

25th Annual Tomato Disease Workshop

The 25^th Annual Tomato Disease Workshop will be hosted by University of Florida on November 16-18, 2009. The conference will be held at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center located in Balm, FL.  A tomato marker workshop is planned for the 16^th of November in association with the Tomato Breeder Workgroup.  All the details are in the attached PDF file as well as online at http://gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu.  Find the “Details” link on the right in the announcement section of our home page.  Questions, comments, suggestions?  Please contact me at your convenience.

 

Christine Cooley

Office Assistant/Media Coordinator

Univ. of Florida/IFAS/Gulf Coast REC

14625 CR 672, Wimauma, FL  33598

(813) 634-0000 X 3101
ccooley@ufl.edu

http://gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu

CORE and Private Applicator Training

CORE and Private Applicator Training: Next class Thursday May 27 at the Manatee County Extension Office in Palmetto.  Core training from 8am-10am, Private Applicator Training from 10am-12pm.  These classes will prepare attendees to take Core and Private Applicator exams.  CEUs are also available for those who already hold pesticide licenses.  To register or for more information please visit:

http://coreprvmanatee.eventbrite.com/

 

 

If you need help with registration call Jennifer or Crystal at (941)722-4524.  There will be a $10 per class fee collected at the door. Please bring cash or make checks payable Manatee County Friends of Extension. Refreshments will be provided.

 

 

Crystal

 

 

Crystal A. Snodgrass

University of Florida

Manatee County Extension Service

1303 17th Street West

Palmetto, FL  34221

941-722-4524

FAX: 941-721-6608

 

Sun protection

See this quick info on sun protection from the Lee County Extension office and contact Karen for more info.  http://lee.ifas.ufl.edu/FCS/Sunscreen.shtml

 

Karen S. Headlee

kheadlee@leegov.com

FCS Extension Agent

Lee County

Phone:    239-533-7520

Fax:         239-485-2305

3406 Palm Beach Blvd.

Ft. Myers, FL 33916

http://lee.ifas.ufl.edu/

 

 

 

SWFSFN Update of 2010 FL Small Farm Conference - Only 80 Days to Go!

Hello to all members and supporters of the SW FL Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN).  I'm very pleased to send you this update about the July 31-Aug 1 Small Farm & Alternative Enterprise Conference.  

We are pleased to announce Will Allen as the Keynote speaker for the Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference!   Recently named as Time's 100 World's Most Influential People, Will Allen is also the recipient of multiple awards including a MacAthur Fellowship in 2008. He is founder and chief executive officer of Growing Power, Inc., an organization that continues to receive ever-growing acclaim for its innovated approach in providing education and healthy foods to communities, where before there were "food deserts".  The organization has one simple goal: "to grow food, to grow minds, and to grow community".  For more information and a flyer to distribute about Will Allen see the attachment.

In addition, I'm sending you the following information to let you know of our progress in providing a highly successful FL Small Farm Conference:

1) the online registration is fully functional on the Conference website at http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/floridasmallfarmsconference/2010/index.shtml

2) the final descriptions of the titles and descriptions of the topics in all of the sessions are now posted on the Conference website too

3) the 1st YouTube video for the Conference has been completed with our very own Lynn Steward of DeSoto County.  Please, view it and distribute it as much as you can.  See it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1EVJYq6cEA

Finally, I want to remind you of two very important deadlines:

 

First, there are only 34 days to the June 15th deadline for applications for the farmer scholarlship. 

 

Second, there are only 61 days to the July 12th deadline for the 'Early Bird' registration deadline for the most economical price of $110 for both days.  Afterwards it increases to $160 !!

Please, feel free to distribute the information in this email to help us reach everyone who would be interested in our 2010 FL Small Farm Conference.

 

Thanks,

 

Robert

 

Robert A. Kluson, Ph.D.

Agriculture/Natural Resources Extension Agent II

UF/IFAS - Sarasota County Extension

6700 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL  34241

(941) 232-3090;     FAX (941) 861-9886

http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/AG/ag.shtml         

 

 

 

 

Last chance to sign up for food safety workshop

This is your last chance to siugn up for our upcoming food safety program - Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs): Developing a Food Safety Program for Fruit and Vegetable Growers, to
be held at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, SR
29 N, Immokalee, Florida on Friday May 14, 2010 from 8:30 am -
4:30 pm.

The grant that makes this program possible runds out in June - similar
programs cost several hundred dollars in the private sector!

There a $20 registration fee includes lunch; please submit your registration
ASAP, so that we may ensure adequate provisions and supplies for all
attendees.

To register call 863-674-4092 or email dcabrera@ufl.edu

This program is aimed a providing training and resources to growers and
packinghouse managers to enable them to implement an effective food safety
program and to equip them to properly train workers on all aspects of produce
food safety. Having one or more of your employees certified by attending this
class will ensure that your facilty meets requirements of the new food
safety requirements.

Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs): Developing a Food Safety Program for Fruit
and Vegetable Growers

Agenda

Location: UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center
SR 29 N
Immokalee, Florida
Wednesday November 4, 2009

8:30 am - 4:30 pm

$20 registration fee includes lunch

8:30 am - Registration

9:00 am Welcome, Introductions and Setting the Stage How Do I Know What
I Need? Gene McAvoy, Hendry County Extension, LaBelle

9:30 am Microbiology for Growers: Understanding Organisms of Concern, Brief
presentation of main organisms, how they grow, spread, etc., Keith Schneider,
Food and Human Nutrition, Gainesville, FL

10:15 am Break

10:45 am An Overview of GAPs Issues, Reviewing key farm, field, packing
house and transportation practices, Keith Schneider, Food and Human
Nutrition, Gainesville, FL

11:30 am Worker Health and Hygiene, Addressing the need for worker training,
including common stumbling blocks, resources, etc., Michelle Danyluk, Citrus
Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred, FL

12:15 pm Lunch

1:15 pm The Importance of Record Keeping, Making record keeping a
manageable part of the your food safety plan, Renee Goodrich Schneider,
Food Science and Human Nutrition, Gainesville, FL

1:45 pm Postharvest Handling and Sanitation, Effectively communicating your
food safety program and advocating for your farm, Gene McAvoy, Hendry
County Extension, LaBelle

2:15 pm Break

2:45 pm Audit Perspectives: Lack of a Standardized Audit, Preparing for an
audit/inspection without losing your mind, Renee Goodrich Schneider, Food
Science and Human Nutrition, Gainesville

3:15 pm Educational Materials and Resources, Discussing the resources that
make things easier and more effective, Keith Schneider, Food and Human
Nutrition, Gainesville, FL

3:45 pm How Can UF/IFAS Extension Help You in the Next Step? Open Forum
for Questions, Wrap-Up, Gene McAvoy, Hendry County Extension, LaBelle
4:00 pm Adjourn

Hope to see you there.

Gene

Gene McAvoy
County Extension Director

Regional Vegetable Agent IV
UF/IFAS Hendry County Extension
PO Box 68
LaBelle, Florida 33975

863-674-4092 office
863-673-5939 cell
159*11449*2 Nextel DC
gmcavoy@ifas.ufl.edu

Manatee Training Announcements

Please take note of the opcoming training opportunities available at Manatee County Extension Service

 

CORE and Private Applicator Training: Next class Thursday May 27 (date was changed from May 25 to May 27). Core training from 8am-10pm, Private Applicator Training from 10am-12pm.  These classes will prepare attendees to take Core and Private Applicator exams.  CEUs are also available for those who already hold pesticide licenses.  To register or for more information please visit:

http://coreprvmanatee.eventbrite.com/

 

WPS Train The Trainer

Tuesday May 4 from 9am-11am.  CEUs are available. To register or for mor information please visit:

http://wpstttmanatee.eventbrite.com/

 

For more information please call Crystal or Jennifer at (941) 722-4524

 

Crystal

 

 

Crystal A. Snodgrass

University of Florida

Manatee County Extension Service

1303 17th Street West

Palmetto, FL  34221

941-722-4524

FAX: 941-721-6608

 

Announcemnt: Invitation to SWFSFN farmers to Enroll in FL MarketMaker Website

Greetings on this warm FL day to all the members and supporters of the SW FL Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN).  I am very pleased to send you this announcement that UF/IFAS is making available free to all farmers the state-of-the-art online food marketing service, i.e., FL MarketMaker.  For some background on it, I’m sharing with you the following information:

The goal of MarketMaker is to make the site a resource for all businesses in the food supply chain. We are as interested in helping a grocery store find farm-fresh eggs as we are helping the farmer find a place to sell them. MarketMaker is rich with demographic and business data that the user can query. Details can be summarized on a map to show concentrations of consumer markets and strategic business partners. Providing this kind of information in a map-based format makes much more sense than business lists and statistical tables.  Census data is also a feature of the site. For example, a producer wanting to sell meat to Hispanic consumers can request a map showing the greatest concentration of upper-income Hispanic households, then request a complete demographic profile of those locations.  For more information, see the national website at http://national.marketmaker.uiuc.edu/

FYI – FL MarketMaker is open at this time exclusively for farmers.  The UF/IFAS team responsible for it plans for its full, free, public launch in early fall when all intended users will be offered access to register to use FL MarketMaker.  At this time they are requesting farmers register online to begin a comprehensive database of FL farmers and their food products.  To this end, please, go to the following website:  http://fl.marketmaker.uiuc.edu/index.php

 

All, feel free to distribute this email announcement to your small farmer associates and colleagues.

 

Thanks,

robert

 

 

Robert A. Kluson, Ph.D.

Agriculture/Natural Resources Extension Agent II

UF/IFAS - Sarasota County Extension

6700 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL  34241

(941) 232-3090;     FAX (941) 861-9886

http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/AG/ag.shtml         

 

 

 

 

 

Significant Blueberry Pest!! Workshop in June

Spotted Wing Drosophila Update

A Workshop for Blueberry and other Small Fruit Growers

 

June 3, 2010

Bert J. Harris Jr. Agriculture Center

4509 George Blvd

UF/IFAS Highlands County Extension

 

5:30 pm - Welcome, Dr. John Alleyne

 

5:40 pm - Prosophila suzukii Identification, Biology and

Distribution, Dr. David Dean, DOACS

 

6:30 pm - Monitoring and Management: Considerations for

Drosophila suzukii in blueberry and other small fruit

crops, Dr. Oscar Liburd, UF/IFAS

 

 

Mary Beth Henry

Small Farms/Pesticide Licensing

Extension Agent I, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County

1702 HWY. 17 S, Bartow, FL 33831 T: 863.519.8677 x 102  F: 863.534.0001

mbhenry@ufl.edu     http://polksmallfarms.com http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/ 

No Farmers No Food

 

Need notice of upcoming training and other information?

Join the email newsletter here: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001o4tMzQsu5DOxO2qVEDjYVdg1iw8e-mlP

Join the conversation here http://polksmallfarms.blogspot.com/

 

 

You're invited to attend Bioenergy Crop Field Day

 

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