FL Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises Conf - Deadline June 1_Farmer Scholarship Appl.

 

REMINDER: FL SMALL FARMER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE JUNE 1      Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference     Educating Entrepreneurs to Strengthen Local Food Systems   July 27-29, 2012 * Kissimmee, FL   www.conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms            Hello, There are a couple of Friday deadlines to bring to your attention. Also, if you missed the last announcement, check out this year's great program!       Registration Scholarships for Florida Small Farmers Applications Due June 1  If you are a Florida small farmer who needs financial assistance to attend the conference,  you have an opportunity to apply for a registration scholarship. Applications will be reviewed in the order received so submit your application now! Last day to submit an application is June 1. Read more.         IFAS or FAMU State or County Faculty with an Extension Appointment: June 1 is the Abstract Deadline for Educational Posters  This is a great opportunity to share research-based, educational and program information to a statewide audience.   Submission deadline is June 1.      Abstract and poster details are located on the website      Speakers and Session Descriptions Posted  The program committee is excited to announce speakers and provide descriptions for all educational sessions. Use the following links to learn more about these incredible sessions, and to view the overall agenda-at-a-glance. Session Details Agenda-at-a-Glance       Conference Sponsors It is our privilege to recognize the following organizations and companies for their contributions. Their support helps provide the quality, cutting-edge education offered at the conference. Sustaining Partner     Platinum Sponsors    Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsors         Bronze Sponsor                                          General Sponsor                      If you are interested in sponsoring, please visit our Sponsorship Opportunities webpage or contact Bob Hochmuth chair of the fund raising committee.     Food and Beverage Contributors We would like to recognize the following Florida farms and allied industries for their donation to the conference.                               Outstanding Contributors to the FL Small Farmer Registration Scholarship Thank you for providing funds so Florida Small Farmers may participate in this premier educational and networking conference.                    Registration Open - Don't Delay   The early registration deadline is July 9, but many sessions have limited capacity so we encourage you to register as soon as possible.     Can't attend the entire conference? Take advantage of the one or two day options available.    See Registration Information    About the Conference In it's fourth year, the Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference is a proven venue in providing farmers with up-to-date, research-based, in-depth educational information. It facilitates networking and an open dialog among members of Florida's small farms community.  It is also an excellent vehicle for increasing awareness of Florida's small farms industry to decision makers and supporting institutions, and partners from the public sector. We invite you to visit our past conference websites with photos and speaker presentations.   Become an Exhibitor      Looking to introduce your products to small farms and alternative enterprises farming communities?  Become an Exhibitor.     · 100% of the exhibitors surveyed in 2010 and 2011 met their target audience.   · 99% of past exhibitors responded they would exhibit again.   · Roughly 800 participants attend yearly.   Take this opportunity to expand your customer base and showcase new products to existing clientele.  See details.   Accommodations at Reduced Room Rates See the hotels and motels supporting the conference by offering small farms participants reduced guest room rates.      There is limited availability and some may fill before their reduced rate deadline.    View Accommodations    Join Us as a Sponsor       We invite you to strengthen your commitment to Florida small farms. The small farms conference brings together nearly 800 producers, marketers, researchers, educators, policy makers, and allied industry representatives, all of whom are actively involved in Florida farming. See sponsor options available and learn how your organization will benefit from this opportunity. All sponsors are recognized on the website, in advance announcements, and throughout the conference. The sooner you sign up as a sponsor, the more coverage you will receive.   Become of Friend of the Conference YOUR INVOLVEMENT MAKES A DIFFERENCE   · Is your organization directly funding individuals to participate in the conference?  · Are you spreading the word about the conference? · Are you promoting the conference at other meetings and events?   Tell us about your efforts and become a Friend of the FL SF Conference.     Who Should Attend  · Small Family Farms · Transitional Farmers · Beginning Farmers · Allied-industry Representatives · Educators · Researchers · Agricultural Associations · Policy-makers · Foundations · Anyone interested in becoming a part of, and strengthening the small farm community in Florida   Help Us Reach Florida Farmers   If you know Florida farmers, colleagues, industry representatives or others who might be interested in participating in this conference, please forward this announcement. Thank you!       Quick Links Sponsors Food and Beverage Contributors Become a Sponsor Become an Exhibitor Session Details Agenda Registration Information Location Accommodations For More Information About this year's conference, visit the 2012 conference website: www.conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms    About small farms in Florida, visit the small farms website: http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/ Mandy Stage, Conference Coordinator Tel: 352-392-5930; Email: mstage@ufl.edu   Hosted by