Description

BACKGROUND: Nearly 90% of Florida?s nearly 47,463 farms are small. The University of Florida/IFAS and Florida A&M University have stepped up educational efforts with their Small Farms Focus Team including development of a website for small farmers at http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu. Regional small farms conferences were initiated in 2006.
This conference takes the information and conferencing process to the next level of involvement as Florida small farmers are faced with similar challenges, increasing regulations, 21st century marketing, etc. By coming together as a group, solutions can be identified.

The conference will be useful and important to small farmers, industry representatives, researchers, educators, institutional members, policy-makers, small farm commodity associations, foundations and other interested parties.
The Conference will include many activities that benefit small farmers:

* A general educational session to attract well known speakers on topics of broad interest.
* Educational sessions (presentations, workshops, demonstrations and discussion groups) to share research results and provide educational support for producers to operate sustainable and profitable enterprises.
* A large exhibition area to introduce new products and technologies.
* These activities help facilitate networking, dialog, and visioning among small farmers. They increase awareness of the small farms industry to decision makers, supporting institutions and the public.

Contact Person

Stage, Mandy
Email: mstage@ufl.edu
Phone: 352-392-5930
Mobile Phone:
UF Office of Confs/Insts PO Box 110750
Gainesville , FL 32611 0750

Date and Time

8/1/2009, 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Location

Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee, FL

Sponsoring Organization

Event Type

other

Target Audience

small farmers, industry reps, educators, policy makers and researchers

Web Site
http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/floridasmallfarmsconference/index.htm#Top