June Commercial Horticulture Programs

The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Commercial Horticulture Programs for June 2022. These programs are being offered by Dr. Tatiana Sanchez, Commercial Horticulture Agent, at the Alachua County Ag Auditorium (22716 W. Newberry Road, Newberry) unless otherwise indicated.

Green Industries Best Management Practices – June 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the UF/IFAS Extension Columbia County Office (437 N.W. Hall of Fame Drive, Lake City)

Florida law states that all commercial fertilizer applicators must have a certificate from FDACS. To get this certificate, each commercial applicator must be trained in the Green Industries Best Management Practices and receive a certificate of completion from UF/IFAS and the Department of Environmental Protection.

Up to four Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available in the following categories: General Standard Core, Limited Urban Fertilizer, Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance, Limited Lawn and Ornamental, Lawn and Ornamental and Ornamental and Turf.

The registration fee is $25.00, with a $3.16 Fee (includes lunch and materials). Participants must register online. There are no refunds for the registration fee.

This short course covers business startup for aspiring and beginning farmers. Course topics include setting goals, assessing resources and readiness, selecting farm enterprises, and business structures, registration, and regulations. Course registrants are expected to participate in two weeks of online learning activities (June 9 - June 22) and attend a live session on June 23 either on Zoom or at the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office (22712 W Newberry Road, Newberry).

This short course covers business planning for beginning farmers. Topics include the main components of a business plan, including mission statement, marketing plan, management plan, operations plan, financial plan, and risk management. Course registrants are expected to participate in two weeks of online learning activities (August 11- August 24) and attend a live session on August 25 either on Zoom or at the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office (22712 W Newberry Road, Newberry).

The registration fee for each course is $45.00. Participants must register online. There are no refunds for the registration fee.

Private Applicator & Agricultural Row Crops – A Review – June 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (with Dr. Kevin Korus, Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent)

This workshop is designed to provide training for the private applicator agricultural pest control license. The private applicator license is required for anyone that applies restricted use pesticides to their own farm, greenhouse, or nursery. 

New license: After the class concludes, exams will be available to attendees who need a license. Those needing to test, should let the Extension Office know to reserve a spot. To test, please apply for a voucher number prior to the class.

Up to four Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered for applicators that already have their licenses. CEUs available include General Standard Core, Ag Row Crop, and Private Applicator.  

The registration fee is $25.00 (includes handout materials and light refreshments). Participants must register online by June 10. A late fee of $10.00 will be applied for registrations after June 10 or if paying at the door. This class is limited to 20 participants. There are no refunds for the registration fee.  

For more information about these programs, contact Dr. Tatiana Sanchez (tatiana.sanchez@ufl.edu), Commercial Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, at 352-955-2402.  Visit the Extension Office website for additional programs offered by the Extension Office.