The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Commercial Horticulture program for August 2021. This program is being offered by Dr. Tatiana Sanchez, Commercial Horticulture Agent (with Dr. Kevin Athearn, Regional Specialized Agent II, Rural Agribusiness Development).
Ag Entrepreneurship Series
The series is made up of three hybrid short courses that provide the basis for beginning or aspiring farmers that seek to establish an agricultural enterprise. Each course is available online self-paced for two weeks followed by a live meeting. Participants can choose to attend the live meeting portion either via Zoom or face-to-face at our new UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Extension Office (22712 W. Newberry Rd, Newberry) or an alternative location to be determined.
Course 1: Starting a Farm
Online access: August 12 to August 25 (self-paced)
Live meeting: August 26, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Participants learn to articulate visions and goals, assess resources, evaluate the suitability and feasibility of farm enterprises, and learn about business structures, registration, and regulations.
Course 2: Farm Business Planning
Online access: September 9 to 22 (self-paced)
Live meeting: September 23, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Participants learn to conduct market research and a SWOT analysis, develop a mission statement, marketing plan, operations plan, human resource plan, financial plan, and risk management plan. Participants must register by August 28.
Course 3: Marketing for Your Small Farm
Online access: November 30 to December 13 (self-paced)
Live meeting: December 14, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Participants learn to define their marketing strategy and competitive advantage, create a brand image and make use of promotional support from available programs, evaluate pros and cons of different types of market channels, use social media and online payments, SNAP/EBT transactions, farmers markets, roadside stands, and other programs.
The registration fee for each course is $35.00 or $90.00 for the series. Participants must
register online for one or all of the workshops. There are no refunds for the registration fee.
An Equal Opportunity Institution. Extension Service, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Dr. Tom Obreza, Interim Dean. Single copies of Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county Extension offices. Information about alternate formats is available from IFAS Communications, University of Florida, PO Box 110810, Gainesville, FL 32611-0810.