Everyone who attended the 2009 Florida Small Farm Conference fondly remembers the delicious breakfast and lunch meals of locally-grown foods that were served. These meals featured produce, fruit, dairy and meats from across Florida that provided the freshest and most nutritious foods available. They were then transformed into the fantastic meals by the creative culinary skills of chef Tony Donelly and his skilled staff of Savor Food Service Company at the Osceola Heritage Park.
The challenge at this year's Conference is to continue, if not to exceed, the expectations of this high standard for the meals. I am glad to report that this challenge is being met head-on by the Food Committee and the culinary staff. As a preview of our success in bringing you foods from Florida small farms to your Conference table, I am sharing with you the menu for your Sunday lunch:
Regular Lunch
Garden Fresh Salad Bar w/all the Fixing’s
~
Fresh Country Smoked Sausage with all the Fixing’s
Fresh Roast Pastured Chicken with a Mango Peppercorn Demi-Glace
Sturgeon Bites
~
Sautéed Collard Greens with Pastured Pork and a Spicy Garlic Sauce
Summer Squash Provencal
~
Roasted Florida Table Potatoes w/ Fresh Rosemary
~
Blueberry Compete with Minted Crème Fraiche
Vegan Lunch
Garden Fresh Salad Bar w/ all the Fixing’s
~
Wild Brown Rice with Tomato Basil Quinoa
Buckwheat Crepes with Wild Mushroom Ragout topped with Herbed Croutons
Sweet Potato Planks with a Cinnamon Glaze
~
Florida Succotash with Black eyed Peas, Tomato, Okra, Corn and Fresh Mango
Spicy Collard Greens with a Chili Vinegar Sauce
~
Florida Blue Berry Compote with Fresh Mint and Lady Finger Cookies
So, we hope that you are smacking your lips in anticipation to enjoying such a meal. Our goal is nothing less than demonstrating to you just how enjoyable it is to 'Eat Here Now' . . .
Resources and networking for the small farmers community of Florida. This community includes everyone from producers to consumers to advocates of locally-grown foods for local foodshed developement in Florida. The focus now is information about the 2010 Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Florida Small Farmers Receive A Little Help From Their Friends
Florida small farmers are receiving a lot of a 'little help from their friends' to come to the 2010 Florida Small Farm Conference. This assistance has come in the form of scholarships that are assisting in the expenses to attend both days on July 31 and August 1, 2010.
For example, here are the descriptions of the sources of these scholarships:
1) Donations received during registration to the Conference by attendees have been received and have totaled enough to fund 15 scholarships!
2) The Florida Association of Community Farmers Markets has sponsored 8 scholarships through their organization. The Florida Association of Community Farmers Markets, Inc. (FACFM) is a member-driven organization whose purpose is to improve the link between farm and table by supporting farmers and educating consumers on the benefits of buying local and supporting their community farmers' markets. For more information about FACFM see their website at https://sites.google.com/a/facfm.org/facfm/
3) The following chapters of Slow Food USA have sponsored scholarships for their local farmers. Slow Food is an idea, a way of living and a way of eating. It is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment. For more information about Slow Food see their website at http://www.slowfoodusa.org/
a) Slow Food Orlando has provided 6 scholarships through their organization. For their info see their website at http://www.slowfoodorlando.org/
b) Slow Food Miami has provided 2 scholarships through their organization. For their info see their website at http://www.slowfoodmiami.com/
c) Slow Food Gold & Treasure Coast has awarded 2 scholarships. For their info see their website at http://www.slowfoodgtc.com/
d) Slow Food First Coast has awarded 1 scholarship. For their info see their website at http://slowfoodfirstcoast.com/
e) Slow Food Greater Sarasota has awarded 2 scholarships. For their info see their website at http://www.meetup.com/slowfoodsarasota/
f) Slow Food Glades to Coast has awarded 3 scholarships. For their info see their website at http://www.slowfoodgladestocoast.com/
4) The Suncoast Food Alliance has awarded 2 scholarships. For their info see their website at http://suncoastfoodalliance.com/
With such actions, it's clear to see that the small farmers of Florida do indeed have a growing community of supporters who are demonstrating their commitment to them. So when you come to the 2010 FL Small Farm Conferenc be sure to introduce yourself to the small farmers in attendance and tell them just how much you appreciate their hard work to bring local foodsl to your tables.
For example, here are the descriptions of the sources of these scholarships:
1) Donations received during registration to the Conference by attendees have been received and have totaled enough to fund 15 scholarships!
2) The Florida Association of Community Farmers Markets has sponsored 8 scholarships through their organization. The Florida Association of Community Farmers Markets, Inc. (FACFM) is a member-driven organization whose purpose is to improve the link between farm and table by supporting farmers and educating consumers on the benefits of buying local and supporting their community farmers' markets. For more information about FACFM see their website at https://sites.google.com/a/facfm.org/facfm/
3) The following chapters of Slow Food USA have sponsored scholarships for their local farmers. Slow Food is an idea, a way of living and a way of eating. It is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment. For more information about Slow Food see their website at http://www.slowfoodusa.org/
a) Slow Food Orlando has provided 6 scholarships through their organization. For their info see their website at http://www.slowfoodorlando.org/
b) Slow Food Miami has provided 2 scholarships through their organization. For their info see their website at http://www.slowfoodmiami.com/
c) Slow Food Gold & Treasure Coast has awarded 2 scholarships. For their info see their website at http://www.slowfoodgtc.com/
d) Slow Food First Coast has awarded 1 scholarship. For their info see their website at http://slowfoodfirstcoast.com/
e) Slow Food Greater Sarasota has awarded 2 scholarships. For their info see their website at http://www.meetup.com/slowfoodsarasota/
f) Slow Food Glades to Coast has awarded 3 scholarships. For their info see their website at http://www.slowfoodgladestocoast.com/
4) The Suncoast Food Alliance has awarded 2 scholarships. For their info see their website at http://suncoastfoodalliance.com/
With such actions, it's clear to see that the small farmers of Florida do indeed have a growing community of supporters who are demonstrating their commitment to them. So when you come to the 2010 FL Small Farm Conferenc be sure to introduce yourself to the small farmers in attendance and tell them just how much you appreciate their hard work to bring local foodsl to your tables.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Florida Small Farmers On The Road Again To Kissimmee
Yes, there are only 12 days until the beginning of the 2010 Florida Small Farm Conference! The final preparations are being made by everyone as they get ready to take the road to Kissimmee. Yes, that means everyone, the organizers, the presenters, the exhibiters, and, most importantly, the small farm community of Florida. The increasing excitement is palpable. Yes, we are all coming back together soon to recreate the magic of last year's inaugural Florida Small Farm Conference.
To this end, this blog wants to invite everyone to share their comments in these '12 days before Conference'. Let's hear from everyone about their expectations, resources, and perspectives that they are bringing to the Conference. I hear the buzz about the Conference starting across the state of Florida, do you?
So, for starters, we want to make sure that everyone is aware of the events available to the Conference attendees even before the Conference officially begins. Yes, on Friday, July 30th there are 3 networking meetings that are open and free to the public. Here is the information about these activities which are all happening at the same time and place for your ease of participation and choice:
Date/Time: Friday, July 30, 2010; 3:00 - 6:00 pm
Location: Exhibition Building, Osceoloa Heritage Park (i.e., the Conference location)- room assignments for each meeting will be posted
Meetings Descriptions:
1) Florida Association of Community Farmers Markets (FACFM) - come learn and contribute to the efforts of the FACFM which is a member-driven organization whose purpose is to improve the link between farm and table by supporting farmers and educating consumers on the benefits of buying local and supporting their community farmers' markets. For more info about the FACFM see their URL at https://sites.google.com/a/facfm.org/facfm/
2) Florida Organic Growers & Consumers, Inc. (FOG) - come learn and contribute to the efforts of FOG which supports and promotes organic and sustainable agriculture, wherein; we educate consumers, farmers, future farmers (children & youth), businesses, policy makers and the general public. For more info about the FOG see their URL at http://www.foginfo.org/
3) Florida Food Policy Council (FFPC) and the Greater Everglades Foodshed Alliance (GEFA)- come to this joint meeting and learn and contribute to the efforts of these 2organizations that are promoting sustainable foodshed development in Florida.
a) The FFPC was initiated last year at a special meeting with the attendees of the
2009 FL Small Farm Conference. The mission of FFPC is to encourage the
development and expansion of the capacity of local food systems (foodsheds) to
meet food security needs in communities across Florida through advocacy, network-
building, training and providing tools designed to increase production,
distribution and consumption of healthy, local foods for the planet, ecosystems
and people.
b) The GEFA has a mission to inspire people, ventures, projects and activities
dedicated to ecological learning and sustainability in the Greater Everglades
bioregion, is partnering with stakeholders representing all aspects of the local
food system. Together, we are in the process of forming the Greater Everglades
Foodshed Alliance, as an essential first step in rebuilding a local food system
in South Florida that benefits all residents and the ecosystems on which we
depend. By forming a network that strengthens existing relationships between
growers, processors, distributors, buyers, retailers, and consumers, we can
create the resilient, just, and sustainable local food system we want for the
Greater Everglades. For more info on the GEFA see their URL at http://earth-
learning.org/index.php?option=content&Itemid=134&task=view&id=39
So there you have it. As you can see, these pre-conference activities are definitely setting the tone for a most meaningful and educational time when everyone gathers for the 2010 FL Small Farm Conference. Keep them in mind as you get ready to take the road again to Kissimmee . . .
To this end, this blog wants to invite everyone to share their comments in these '12 days before Conference'. Let's hear from everyone about their expectations, resources, and perspectives that they are bringing to the Conference. I hear the buzz about the Conference starting across the state of Florida, do you?
So, for starters, we want to make sure that everyone is aware of the events available to the Conference attendees even before the Conference officially begins. Yes, on Friday, July 30th there are 3 networking meetings that are open and free to the public. Here is the information about these activities which are all happening at the same time and place for your ease of participation and choice:
Date/Time: Friday, July 30, 2010; 3:00 - 6:00 pm
Location: Exhibition Building, Osceoloa Heritage Park (i.e., the Conference location)- room assignments for each meeting will be posted
Meetings Descriptions:
1) Florida Association of Community Farmers Markets (FACFM) - come learn and contribute to the efforts of the FACFM which is a member-driven organization whose purpose is to improve the link between farm and table by supporting farmers and educating consumers on the benefits of buying local and supporting their community farmers' markets. For more info about the FACFM see their URL at https://sites.google.com/a/facfm.org/facfm/
2) Florida Organic Growers & Consumers, Inc. (FOG) - come learn and contribute to the efforts of FOG which supports and promotes organic and sustainable agriculture, wherein; we educate consumers, farmers, future farmers (children & youth), businesses, policy makers and the general public. For more info about the FOG see their URL at http://www.foginfo.org/
3) Florida Food Policy Council (FFPC) and the Greater Everglades Foodshed Alliance (GEFA)- come to this joint meeting and learn and contribute to the efforts of these 2organizations that are promoting sustainable foodshed development in Florida.
a) The FFPC was initiated last year at a special meeting with the attendees of the
2009 FL Small Farm Conference. The mission of FFPC is to encourage the
development and expansion of the capacity of local food systems (foodsheds) to
meet food security needs in communities across Florida through advocacy, network-
building, training and providing tools designed to increase production,
distribution and consumption of healthy, local foods for the planet, ecosystems
and people.
b) The GEFA has a mission to inspire people, ventures, projects and activities
dedicated to ecological learning and sustainability in the Greater Everglades
bioregion, is partnering with stakeholders representing all aspects of the local
food system. Together, we are in the process of forming the Greater Everglades
Foodshed Alliance, as an essential first step in rebuilding a local food system
in South Florida that benefits all residents and the ecosystems on which we
depend. By forming a network that strengthens existing relationships between
growers, processors, distributors, buyers, retailers, and consumers, we can
create the resilient, just, and sustainable local food system we want for the
Greater Everglades. For more info on the GEFA see their URL at http://earth-
learning.org/index.php?option=content&Itemid=134&task=view&id=39
So there you have it. As you can see, these pre-conference activities are definitely setting the tone for a most meaningful and educational time when everyone gathers for the 2010 FL Small Farm Conference. Keep them in mind as you get ready to take the road again to Kissimmee . . .
Monday, July 12, 2010
Learning and Networking Small Farmer to Small Farmer Style
Today, July 12th, as everyone knows, is the deadline for the 'early bird discount' registration. We certainly hope that everyone is or has taken advantage of our efforts to keep the costs very reasonable for everyone.
Of course, a primary reason for keeping the conference costs down is to provide access for small farmers to meet and learn from each other. There's no better demonstration of this fact then the list of excellent farmer speakers that are participating in our sessions. To this end, I want to begin to give you some short biosketches of the small farmers that you can personally get to hear and know. Their names can be found on the new link of 'Session Speakers' on the conference website.
Alternative Energy Track
Saturday 4:30 – 6:00: Combined Heat and Power Options for the Small Farm
a) Wayne Keith, from Springville AL is an “off the grid” cattlemen, and builder and designer of a truck (dodge Dakota) that runs on wood gas which is a world war II technology developed in Scandinavia that ran public transportation and provided power for farming during the last several years of the war. (he is bringing the truck).
Alternative Enterprise Track
Sunday 11:00 – 12:30: Aquaponics and Aquaculture
a) Jorge Pang is a marine biologist who is a former project manager at the Ocean Boy Company which produced shrimp on inland ponds near Clewiston, Florida. Jorge later worked on a tilapia project on Pine Island, producing more than 500 pounds of tilapia per week for niche markets in Northern US States. Jorge is the current project development manager for a sizeable aquaponics farm in South Punta Gorda, which has begun to produce fish, vegetables and orchids in a closed production system.
Business and Marketing Track
Sunday 11:00 – 12:30: What’s All the Excitement About Social Marketing? – How It Can Help You Market Your Product/Service
a) Brain Lapinski and his wife, Kristin, started Down to Earth farm on 2.5 acres in Jacksonville Florida in late 2007. They serve a 20-member CSA and two Saturday markets with sustainably grown veggies and cut flowers. Their main marketing tool is a weekly email to their list of about 900 folks.
Horticulture Track
Saturday 4:30 – 6:00: Exploring Hydroponic Growing Systems
a) Emil Belibasis is hydroponic greenhouse grower originally from Honduras. In 1989 he began in a single-bay (one-tenth of an acre) greenhouse. A year and a half later, he purchased his current 15-acre farm in Wellborn, FL, where he grows tomatoes on the vine and Middle Eastern cucumbers inside 5 acres of greenhouse area.
Through the years, Belibasis has maintained a close relationship with UF/IFAS and utilized NFREC-SV and county agents to start his operation. Emil is a great example of the type of grower that willingly gives of himself to help others. He has hosted countless tours of his farm to help area County Extension agents, he never says no. In addition to the tours, he has provided product for many grad student projects, guest lecturer in Dr. Cantliffe’s classes, gone to Tallahassee and Washington DC to testify on the hill for UF/IFAS budgets, presented and hosted FDA and USDA officials at the recent statewide food safety listening session and tour, serves on local Extension advisory committees, and he still finds a way to make significant financial contributions to support Extension programs every year. He is just that kind of friend/cooperator that makes County Extension work worth it all.
So come to the conference and learn from fellow small farmers who understand your world as a producer and who want you to succeed too!
Of course, a primary reason for keeping the conference costs down is to provide access for small farmers to meet and learn from each other. There's no better demonstration of this fact then the list of excellent farmer speakers that are participating in our sessions. To this end, I want to begin to give you some short biosketches of the small farmers that you can personally get to hear and know. Their names can be found on the new link of 'Session Speakers' on the conference website.
Alternative Energy Track
Saturday 4:30 – 6:00: Combined Heat and Power Options for the Small Farm
a) Wayne Keith, from Springville AL is an “off the grid” cattlemen, and builder and designer of a truck (dodge Dakota) that runs on wood gas which is a world war II technology developed in Scandinavia that ran public transportation and provided power for farming during the last several years of the war. (he is bringing the truck).
Alternative Enterprise Track
Sunday 11:00 – 12:30: Aquaponics and Aquaculture
a) Jorge Pang is a marine biologist who is a former project manager at the Ocean Boy Company which produced shrimp on inland ponds near Clewiston, Florida. Jorge later worked on a tilapia project on Pine Island, producing more than 500 pounds of tilapia per week for niche markets in Northern US States. Jorge is the current project development manager for a sizeable aquaponics farm in South Punta Gorda, which has begun to produce fish, vegetables and orchids in a closed production system.
Business and Marketing Track
Sunday 11:00 – 12:30: What’s All the Excitement About Social Marketing? – How It Can Help You Market Your Product/Service
a) Brain Lapinski and his wife, Kristin, started Down to Earth farm on 2.5 acres in Jacksonville Florida in late 2007. They serve a 20-member CSA and two Saturday markets with sustainably grown veggies and cut flowers. Their main marketing tool is a weekly email to their list of about 900 folks.
Horticulture Track
Saturday 4:30 – 6:00: Exploring Hydroponic Growing Systems
a) Emil Belibasis is hydroponic greenhouse grower originally from Honduras. In 1989 he began in a single-bay (one-tenth of an acre) greenhouse. A year and a half later, he purchased his current 15-acre farm in Wellborn, FL, where he grows tomatoes on the vine and Middle Eastern cucumbers inside 5 acres of greenhouse area.
Through the years, Belibasis has maintained a close relationship with UF/IFAS and utilized NFREC-SV and county agents to start his operation. Emil is a great example of the type of grower that willingly gives of himself to help others. He has hosted countless tours of his farm to help area County Extension agents, he never says no. In addition to the tours, he has provided product for many grad student projects, guest lecturer in Dr. Cantliffe’s classes, gone to Tallahassee and Washington DC to testify on the hill for UF/IFAS budgets, presented and hosted FDA and USDA officials at the recent statewide food safety listening session and tour, serves on local Extension advisory committees, and he still finds a way to make significant financial contributions to support Extension programs every year. He is just that kind of friend/cooperator that makes County Extension work worth it all.
So come to the conference and learn from fellow small farmers who understand your world as a producer and who want you to succeed too!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Get Profitable With Diversified Small Farming & Alternative Enterprises
With today's economy, it has become commonplace for farmers to inquire about alternative enterprises to either diversify or replace existing farm operations. Farmers are looking to these alternative enterprises that make use of existing resources to generate additional income and provide sustainability to their operations.
Florida has many opportunities that can mean profitable small farming for agricultural entrepreneurs. For example, many farms are in close proximity to metropolitan areas that offer a vast and diverse marketing opportunity for farm products, in addition to recreation and agri-tourism businesses. Urban residents have a rapidly growing demand for high quality locally grown products. The farmers markets boom over the past five years in an indication of this opportunity. An increasing amount of producers have already adopted innovative alternative enterprises that have capitalized on these markets. However, there are many farmers who have yet to develop new or alternative enterprises, and the task of choosing these opportunities can be overwhelming for several reasons.
These alternative enterprises come in an unlimited number of shapes and sizes. However, a producer trying to identify potential profitable enterprises can easily find themselves overwhelmed. The process is also compounded by the fact that these types of enterprises typically have little data on production practices, input costs and revenue. When information is available, it may not be comparable across enterprises because it was developed in a different geographical area or with different assumption.
In addressing these challenges, we are proud to present the 2010 Small Farms & Alternatives Enterprises Conference with the theme of "Sustaining Small Farms; Strengthening Florida's Communities". This Conference is set for July 31st- Aug 1st 2010, and an Alternative Enterprise session has been scheduled to present topics on the Aquaculture and Aquaponics, Minor Fruit Crops, and Agri-Tourism. If you would like more information on this session or additional sessions please visit the conference Web site link at http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu.
Florida has many opportunities that can mean profitable small farming for agricultural entrepreneurs. For example, many farms are in close proximity to metropolitan areas that offer a vast and diverse marketing opportunity for farm products, in addition to recreation and agri-tourism businesses. Urban residents have a rapidly growing demand for high quality locally grown products. The farmers markets boom over the past five years in an indication of this opportunity. An increasing amount of producers have already adopted innovative alternative enterprises that have capitalized on these markets. However, there are many farmers who have yet to develop new or alternative enterprises, and the task of choosing these opportunities can be overwhelming for several reasons.
These alternative enterprises come in an unlimited number of shapes and sizes. However, a producer trying to identify potential profitable enterprises can easily find themselves overwhelmed. The process is also compounded by the fact that these types of enterprises typically have little data on production practices, input costs and revenue. When information is available, it may not be comparable across enterprises because it was developed in a different geographical area or with different assumption.
In addressing these challenges, we are proud to present the 2010 Small Farms & Alternatives Enterprises Conference with the theme of "Sustaining Small Farms; Strengthening Florida's Communities". This Conference is set for July 31st- Aug 1st 2010, and an Alternative Enterprise session has been scheduled to present topics on the Aquaculture and Aquaponics, Minor Fruit Crops, and Agri-Tourism. If you would like more information on this session or additional sessions please visit the conference Web site link at http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Will Allen's Road to Florida Update #1
"GROW! BLOOM! THRIVE!" is the credo of our keynote speaker, Will Allen. Prior to his appearence at the 2010 FL Small Farm Conference, he is busily teaching communities across America the meaning of these words. For example, on June 4th Will Allen lectured at the Nsoroma Institute in Detroit, MI, and on June 5th & 6th he conducted workshops on vermicomposting and hoophouses for Detroit's Black Food Security Network.
Will Allen also maintains a busy schedule of teaching these words at his Growing Power Center in Milwakee, WI. For example, go to the website of a video on his efforts for nothing less than a FOOD REVOLUTION across America - see http://abcnews.go.com/WN/wisconsin-man-starts-good-food-revolution/story?id=10678021
While we all await Will Allen's appearance here to share the full significance of this credo to Florida's small farm and local foods community, here's the excerpt from the 2010 Time 100 magazine article of why Will Allen was voted one of he 100 most influential people affecting our world:
"At one time, the term urban farm sounded like an oxymoron. No longer.
A new movement is sprouting up in America's low-income neighborhoods. Some urban residents, sick of fast food and the scarcity of grocery stores, have decided to grow good food for themselves.
One of the movement's (literally) towering icons is Will Allen, 62, of Milwaukee's Growing Power Inc. His main 2-acre Community Food Center is no larger than a small supermarket. But it houses 20,000 plants and vegetables, thousands of fish, plus chickens, goats, ducks, rabbits and bees.
People come from around the world to marvel — and to learn. Says Allen: "Everybody, regardless of their economic means, should have access to the same healthy, safe, affordable food that is grown naturally."
The movement's aim is not just healthier people but a healthier planet. Food grown in cities is trucked shorter distances. Translation: more greenhouses in the 'hood equals less greenhouse gas in the air.
Just as important, farm projects grow communities and nourish hope. The best ones will produce more leaders like Allen, with his credo "Grow. Bloom. Thrive."
Will Allen also maintains a busy schedule of teaching these words at his Growing Power Center in Milwakee, WI. For example, go to the website of a video on his efforts for nothing less than a FOOD REVOLUTION across America - see http://abcnews.go.com/WN/wisconsin-man-starts-good-food-revolution/story?id=10678021
While we all await Will Allen's appearance here to share the full significance of this credo to Florida's small farm and local foods community, here's the excerpt from the 2010 Time 100 magazine article of why Will Allen was voted one of he 100 most influential people affecting our world:
"At one time, the term urban farm sounded like an oxymoron. No longer.
A new movement is sprouting up in America's low-income neighborhoods. Some urban residents, sick of fast food and the scarcity of grocery stores, have decided to grow good food for themselves.
One of the movement's (literally) towering icons is Will Allen, 62, of Milwaukee's Growing Power Inc. His main 2-acre Community Food Center is no larger than a small supermarket. But it houses 20,000 plants and vegetables, thousands of fish, plus chickens, goats, ducks, rabbits and bees.
People come from around the world to marvel — and to learn. Says Allen: "Everybody, regardless of their economic means, should have access to the same healthy, safe, affordable food that is grown naturally."
The movement's aim is not just healthier people but a healthier planet. Food grown in cities is trucked shorter distances. Translation: more greenhouses in the 'hood equals less greenhouse gas in the air.
Just as important, farm projects grow communities and nourish hope. The best ones will produce more leaders like Allen, with his credo "Grow. Bloom. Thrive."
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Livestock on Green Pastures Bring In Plenty of Greenbacks for Small Farmers
The growing market for local, pasture-raised meats is an exciting and profitable trend for small farmers in Florida. Want to get in on this action but don't know where to begin? Then you definitely need to come to the July 31-Aug 1 Florida Small Farms and Alternatives Conference.
The information offered at the Conference applies to long-time livestock producers and farmers who are looking to livestock for diversification and improved sustainability. Learn how to properly manage your pastures for optimum herd health, minimal weeds and robust beef, poultry, goats and sheep.
Come meet produers who have the experience and knowledge to tell you how it's done. For example, Brantley Ivey of River Ridge Land and Cattle Company, in Grayson
County, Virginia, will be a speaker at the session called "Grass-Fed Beef: How Do We Get There/". Brantley is the current farm manager and is managing grass-fed beef as an enterprise to achieve the vision of a sustainable agricultural enterprise that is creating profit centers to sustain the family farm and rural community.
Come meet experts who will share technical information about stocking rates, fertilization and rotational grazing to increase productivity. For example, Yoanna Newman of the UF/IFAS Soils & Water Department will share information on appropriate legume species for the use of a mixed legume-grass pasture as a sustainable and economical practice. In another session you’ll learn how to maintain a healthy and productive pasture by preventing and controlling weeds including common invasive, noxious and poisonous weeds.
Then, come to sessions on the other livestock – Poultry, and Small Ruminants. For example, you will hear Elena Tora and Brad Burbaugh, UF/IFAS Extension Agents and the recipients of the 2010 NACAA Search for Excellence Award in Young, Beginning, or Small Farmers/Ranchers. They will show you how small scale poultry production for eggs and meat is profitable but there's a lot more to it than just turning chickens out to pasture.
Finally, come meet the animals themselves and their owners who are successfully raising them on small farms in Florida. Yes, there will be live animal exhibits on both Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am-12:20pm and 2:30-4:00pm. The animals include milking and meat goats, cattle, alpacas, and poultry.
With livestock ownership comes responsibility too, such as ethical responsibility, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and the responsibility of being a good neighbor. To keep you up-to-date, you can learn about the Florida Fence Law, Green Belt and Right to Farm laws, and liability issues associated with the ownership of livestock. You’ll also discover solutions to common disagreements with neighbors and regulators.
Remember registration includes two full days of educational programs including the opening address with the Keynote Speaker, Will Allen of Growing Power. It also includes networking opportunities with the conference exhibitors, early Saturday and Sunday morning refreshments, Saturday and Sunday lunches featuring products from Florida’s small farms, and all refreshment breaks.
Save $50 by registering by July 12, 2010. See ya' there . . .
The information offered at the Conference applies to long-time livestock producers and farmers who are looking to livestock for diversification and improved sustainability. Learn how to properly manage your pastures for optimum herd health, minimal weeds and robust beef, poultry, goats and sheep.
Come meet produers who have the experience and knowledge to tell you how it's done. For example, Brantley Ivey of River Ridge Land and Cattle Company, in Grayson
County, Virginia, will be a speaker at the session called "Grass-Fed Beef: How Do We Get There/". Brantley is the current farm manager and is managing grass-fed beef as an enterprise to achieve the vision of a sustainable agricultural enterprise that is creating profit centers to sustain the family farm and rural community.
Come meet experts who will share technical information about stocking rates, fertilization and rotational grazing to increase productivity. For example, Yoanna Newman of the UF/IFAS Soils & Water Department will share information on appropriate legume species for the use of a mixed legume-grass pasture as a sustainable and economical practice. In another session you’ll learn how to maintain a healthy and productive pasture by preventing and controlling weeds including common invasive, noxious and poisonous weeds.
Then, come to sessions on the other livestock – Poultry, and Small Ruminants. For example, you will hear Elena Tora and Brad Burbaugh, UF/IFAS Extension Agents and the recipients of the 2010 NACAA Search for Excellence Award in Young, Beginning, or Small Farmers/Ranchers. They will show you how small scale poultry production for eggs and meat is profitable but there's a lot more to it than just turning chickens out to pasture.
Finally, come meet the animals themselves and their owners who are successfully raising them on small farms in Florida. Yes, there will be live animal exhibits on both Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am-12:20pm and 2:30-4:00pm. The animals include milking and meat goats, cattle, alpacas, and poultry.
With livestock ownership comes responsibility too, such as ethical responsibility, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and the responsibility of being a good neighbor. To keep you up-to-date, you can learn about the Florida Fence Law, Green Belt and Right to Farm laws, and liability issues associated with the ownership of livestock. You’ll also discover solutions to common disagreements with neighbors and regulators.
Remember registration includes two full days of educational programs including the opening address with the Keynote Speaker, Will Allen of Growing Power. It also includes networking opportunities with the conference exhibitors, early Saturday and Sunday morning refreshments, Saturday and Sunday lunches featuring products from Florida’s small farms, and all refreshment breaks.
Save $50 by registering by July 12, 2010. See ya' there . . .
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Beyond Small Farming - Achieving Sustainabilty with Success
This last week we were delighted to announce that the educational session details for the 2010 Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference are now available on its website! As you know our topics are intended to give you the latest information for successful small farming in Florida. In the near future we will be giving you descriptions of the presenters and the scope of the Conference's presentations, workshops, demonstrations, and discussions of these topics. This post is intended to describe the context of the Confernce and how all of the planning for it is intended to take you "Beyond Successful Small Farming".
Simply put, our Conference really has a higher goal of serving you as a source for achieving sustainability in your small farming operations. This is going to be done by the following
- diverse session topics including Alternative Enterprises, Alternative Energy, Business and Marketing, Horticulture, Livestock, Organic and Sustainable Farming, and Policy and Regulations
- opportunities in networking, keynote speeches, banquets of locally-grown foods, etc. that demonstrate the potential of local, community foodsheds to support small farmers by bringing about sustainable changes for improved food security to all Floridians
At the same time, to better understand this goal let's examine just what do we mean by sustainability for small farmers.
Sustainable agriculture is can be described as where environmental, economic, and social objectives meet simultaneously. Environmental sustainability is dependent upon sound nature based agriculture; Economic sustainability is dependent upon profitable enterprises, sound financial planning, proactive marketing, and risk management; Social sustainability results from making decisions with the farm families and the larger community's quality of life as a value and a goal.
Over the years, many farmers and agriculturalists have established a strong set of guiding principles for sustainability, based on stewardship and economic visions. Producers and researchers have annually increasing the tempo of improvements in agro-ecology systems, making them more efficient and profitable. Cooperative Extension offices and land grant colleges are endorsing sustainable practices. Each year, growing populations of farmers are seeing the wisdom and rewards—both economic and personal—in sustainable systems. What once was a seed of opportunity has now taken root.
It is not just the farmers. A growing number of consumers and grassroots activists are working tirelessly to create local markets and farm policies that support sustainable practices. Their primary focus is to raise consumers’ awareness about how their food is grown and processed—how plants, animals, the soil, and the water are treated. These groups work to forge stronger bonds between producers and consumers that cement the foundations of locally and regionally self-sufficient food systems.
The theme of the Conference is "Sustaining Small Farms; Strengthening Florida's Communities". The exploration of this theme will be part of all the sessions. For example, the Organic and Sustainable Farming session has been scheduled to present topics on the history, philosophy, and science of organic farming, farm to school programs, community supported agriculture, organic disease management, organic composting, and direct marketing strategies. When you come to the Conference and attend your sessions, you can continue continue with the speakers the exploration of how to use their information to assist you in taking your production and marketing operations "Beyond Successful Small Farming".
Simply put, our Conference really has a higher goal of serving you as a source for achieving sustainability in your small farming operations. This is going to be done by the following
- diverse session topics including Alternative Enterprises, Alternative Energy, Business and Marketing, Horticulture, Livestock, Organic and Sustainable Farming, and Policy and Regulations
- opportunities in networking, keynote speeches, banquets of locally-grown foods, etc. that demonstrate the potential of local, community foodsheds to support small farmers by bringing about sustainable changes for improved food security to all Floridians
At the same time, to better understand this goal let's examine just what do we mean by sustainability for small farmers.
Sustainable agriculture is can be described as where environmental, economic, and social objectives meet simultaneously. Environmental sustainability is dependent upon sound nature based agriculture; Economic sustainability is dependent upon profitable enterprises, sound financial planning, proactive marketing, and risk management; Social sustainability results from making decisions with the farm families and the larger community's quality of life as a value and a goal.
Over the years, many farmers and agriculturalists have established a strong set of guiding principles for sustainability, based on stewardship and economic visions. Producers and researchers have annually increasing the tempo of improvements in agro-ecology systems, making them more efficient and profitable. Cooperative Extension offices and land grant colleges are endorsing sustainable practices. Each year, growing populations of farmers are seeing the wisdom and rewards—both economic and personal—in sustainable systems. What once was a seed of opportunity has now taken root.
It is not just the farmers. A growing number of consumers and grassroots activists are working tirelessly to create local markets and farm policies that support sustainable practices. Their primary focus is to raise consumers’ awareness about how their food is grown and processed—how plants, animals, the soil, and the water are treated. These groups work to forge stronger bonds between producers and consumers that cement the foundations of locally and regionally self-sufficient food systems.
The theme of the Conference is "Sustaining Small Farms; Strengthening Florida's Communities". The exploration of this theme will be part of all the sessions. For example, the Organic and Sustainable Farming session has been scheduled to present topics on the history, philosophy, and science of organic farming, farm to school programs, community supported agriculture, organic disease management, organic composting, and direct marketing strategies. When you come to the Conference and attend your sessions, you can continue continue with the speakers the exploration of how to use their information to assist you in taking your production and marketing operations "Beyond Successful Small Farming".
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Will Allen's Road to Florida
Well, as was announced in our inaugural post, the big news of the 2010 FL Small Farm Conference is the addition of Will Allen of Growing Power, Inc., as the keynote speaker on the openning day, Saturday, July 31, 2010. To this end, this post is the beginning of periodic updates of Will's activities as the time approaches for his arrival at our FL Small Farm conference, i.e., Will Allen's 'Road to Florida'. We hope that letting you know about some of Will's activities prior to coming to Florida will continue to introduce Will to all of you and "pique your interest" in coming to hear him speak and inspire us at the FL Small Conference . . .
-- Wednesday, May 19th - Just two months after First Lady Michelle Obama asked him to stand with her in Washington as one of four Americans speaking in support of the launch of her “Let’s Move!” initiative to end childhood obesity, Will Allen of Growing Power was again invited to the White House, this time as a guest at a dinner to honor the official state visit of the president of Mexico. Before the event, Will commented that “It is an absolute honor to be invited by the president and Mrs. Obama to such a prestigious and important event. It will give me an opportunity to continue building important relationships that will help drive our Good Food Revolution.”
-- Saturday, My 15th - in the midst of hosting Growing Power’s Fifth Annual National and International Urban Agriculture Workshop, with more than 100 attendees participating in intensive training, he took time off from his duties to accept an honorary doctor fine arts degree from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and to deliver the commencement address to 140 graduates of the institute.
-- For an up close and personal interview of Will and Growing Power, Inc., check out the YouTube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLhi23aTmkk
-- Stay tuned for an upcoming video for our FL Small Farm Conference of an organic farm in Pinellas County that is implementing some of Will's production models
-- Finally, here is some food for thought: a major program by Will and Growing Power, Inc., is the development of Regional Outreach Training Centers (see http://www.growingpower.org/training_centers.htm). The question then begging to be asked - is it time for Will Allen to bring one to Florida???
-- Wednesday, May 19th - Just two months after First Lady Michelle Obama asked him to stand with her in Washington as one of four Americans speaking in support of the launch of her “Let’s Move!” initiative to end childhood obesity, Will Allen of Growing Power was again invited to the White House, this time as a guest at a dinner to honor the official state visit of the president of Mexico. Before the event, Will commented that “It is an absolute honor to be invited by the president and Mrs. Obama to such a prestigious and important event. It will give me an opportunity to continue building important relationships that will help drive our Good Food Revolution.”
-- Saturday, My 15th - in the midst of hosting Growing Power’s Fifth Annual National and International Urban Agriculture Workshop, with more than 100 attendees participating in intensive training, he took time off from his duties to accept an honorary doctor fine arts degree from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and to deliver the commencement address to 140 graduates of the institute.
-- For an up close and personal interview of Will and Growing Power, Inc., check out the YouTube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLhi23aTmkk
-- Stay tuned for an upcoming video for our FL Small Farm Conference of an organic farm in Pinellas County that is implementing some of Will's production models
-- Finally, here is some food for thought: a major program by Will and Growing Power, Inc., is the development of Regional Outreach Training Centers (see http://www.growingpower.org/training_centers.htm). The question then begging to be asked - is it time for Will Allen to bring one to Florida???
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Guide to Small Farming for Success in Florida
Greetings to the small farmers community of Florida. My welcome for this blog is extended to the growing numbers of producers (both beginning and established), as well as food processors, distributors, customers, and advocates, of locally grown foods for local foodsheds development in Florida. Specifically this blog is your guide to the 2010 Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference which is the premier statewide event to come to learn to be a successful small farmer in Florida.
To give you some background, the first FL Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises Conference was held in 2009 and was an incredible success with 800 attendees. Because of the overwhelming feedback received from these attendees to continue the Conference as an annual event, the Stakeholder Planning Committee let it be known they were ready to immediately begin planning for the 2010 conference. Therefore, this blog is offered to the FL Small Farmers Community to support the information sharing and networking that will ensure the 2010 FL Small Farms Conference will deliver even more excitement and promise than the first one, including your attendance and participation.
First, let's cover some basics on the 2010 FL Small Farms Conference. It has been set for Saturday, July 31st and Sunday, August 1st. It will take place at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, FL. These 2 days will provide educational and networking activities and events including presentations, workshops, panels, and demonstrations of a variety of topics including organic farming, grass-fed meats, aquaponics, agritourism, food policy advocacy, food safety regulations, and much much more, including an outstanding trade show and 5 star meal banquets featuring locally-grown foods. To register now for the "early bird" rate of $110 for both days go to the Conference link at the website http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/
In addition, there are a couple of independent events that are supportive of the 2010 FL Small Farms Conference and will be available free to the attendees of the Conference. These events include a social event sponsored by Slow Food Florida and a 'Candidates Forum' sponsored by the Florida Association of Community Farmers Markets.
Now I want to jump to the really big and exciting news! We are so pleased to announce that Will Allen is the Keynote speaker! 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". The words and urban agriculture models of Will will be interest to all stakeholders of local foodsheds and supporters of our small farmers of Florida. We invite you to come to the 2010 FL Small Farm Conference to listen to Will and network to bring this movement to Florida . . .
This Blog will continue to provide you more details of the program and events surrounding the 2010 FL Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference in the upcoming months until its opening on July 31st. I encourage you to sign up and/or check back for regular updates, as well as tell all of your friends and colleagues to use this Blog. Thanks . . .
To give you some background, the first FL Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises Conference was held in 2009 and was an incredible success with 800 attendees. Because of the overwhelming feedback received from these attendees to continue the Conference as an annual event, the Stakeholder Planning Committee let it be known they were ready to immediately begin planning for the 2010 conference. Therefore, this blog is offered to the FL Small Farmers Community to support the information sharing and networking that will ensure the 2010 FL Small Farms Conference will deliver even more excitement and promise than the first one, including your attendance and participation.
First, let's cover some basics on the 2010 FL Small Farms Conference. It has been set for Saturday, July 31st and Sunday, August 1st. It will take place at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, FL. These 2 days will provide educational and networking activities and events including presentations, workshops, panels, and demonstrations of a variety of topics including organic farming, grass-fed meats, aquaponics, agritourism, food policy advocacy, food safety regulations, and much much more, including an outstanding trade show and 5 star meal banquets featuring locally-grown foods. To register now for the "early bird" rate of $110 for both days go to the Conference link at the website http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/
In addition, there are a couple of independent events that are supportive of the 2010 FL Small Farms Conference and will be available free to the attendees of the Conference. These events include a social event sponsored by Slow Food Florida and a 'Candidates Forum' sponsored by the Florida Association of Community Farmers Markets.
Now I want to jump to the really big and exciting news! We are so pleased to announce that Will Allen is the Keynote speaker! 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". The words and urban agriculture models of Will will be interest to all stakeholders of local foodsheds and supporters of our small farmers of Florida. We invite you to come to the 2010 FL Small Farm Conference to listen to Will and network to bring this movement to Florida . . .
This Blog will continue to provide you more details of the program and events surrounding the 2010 FL Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference in the upcoming months until its opening on July 31st. I encourage you to sign up and/or check back for regular updates, as well as tell all of your friends and colleagues to use this Blog. Thanks . . .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)