SWFSFN Update - Critical Deadlines for 2010 FL Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference

Hello, all members and supporters of the SW FL Small Farmer Network (SWFSFN).  I am sharing with you the informative update below about the 2010 Small Farm & Alternative Enterprise Conference (ONLY 34 DAYS AWAY).

First, please, take note of these criticial deadlines that are quickly approaching:

a) June 29th - (ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT) - first 'discount lodging rate' deadline at Conference hotels

 

b) July 12th - (ONLY 15 DAYS LEFT) - "Early Bird Special" price of $110 for registration.  Afterwards the regular registration price of $160 kicks in!!! 

 

I’m alerting you to these deadlines to encourage you to act now and realize the cost savings of these deadlines  . . .

 

Second, an important addition to the information below is the scheduling of several organization meetings  on Friday, July 30^th, from 3-6 pm in the Exhibition Building of the Osceola Heritage Park (see http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/floridasmallfarmsconference/2010/agenda.shtml#Friday).  These meetings include the following organizations:

a)      FL Association of Community Farmers Markets

b)      FL Organic Growers and Consumers, Inc

c)       Greater Everglades Foodshed Alliance and FL Food Policy Council

These activities are open for public attendance by interested stakeholders.

 

Please, also distribute all of this information to your fellow small farmers and customers who are planning on attending the Conference and any other SWFSFN members & supporters that I may have overlooked.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Reminder - Make your Hotel Reservation for the... Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference July 31 & August 1, 2010 Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee, Florida http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu     The Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference is hosted by  University of Florida/IFAS and Florida A& M University, CESTA Lodging Reservation Deadlines Begin Next Week! A variety of lodging facilities are offering reduced rates to small farm conference attendees. Accommodations will likely fill before the discounted rates expire. If you will need lodging, take a moment now and make a reservation. Click here for more information on locations and making a reservation at reduced rates.     Reserve Booth Space Now Only a few spaces remain! 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 Deadline is July 12 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.       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.     On Facebook? Become a Friend of the Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference. Fan Page     Quick Links Agenda-at-a-Glance Sponsors/Partnerships Become a Sponsor Become an Exhibitor Registration Information Meeting Site & Directions Hotels & Camping Agenda Session Details Available on the Conference Website Click here to view the agenda and session details. Topics include Alternative Enterprises, Alternative Energy, Business and Marketing, Horticulture, Livestock, Organic and Sustainable Farming, and Policy and Regulations. Also featured at the conference will be Florida foods, live animal exhibits, educational posters, innovated farmers 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 Deliver 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...     Interested in Farming in Florida? 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.   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     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 Bowen Brothers, Inc.   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     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.