The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Commercial Horticulture Programs for November 2017. These programs are being offered by Dr. Tatiana Sanchez, Commercial Horticulture Agent, at the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office (2800 NE 39 Avenue, Gainesville).
Is Organic Certification for You? – November 8, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
This workshop explains what it takes to run a certified organic operation, and how to prepare an operation for application. Participants will learn from a local certified organic farmer, Charlie Andrews. Mr. Andrews runs Hammock Hollow Farm, a 7-acre certified organic operation in Island Grove, Florida. He has decades of experience growing high-quality organic vegetables and sells primarily to restaurants and farmers’ markets.
This workshop is for new growers who want to offer organic produce to clients, or experienced growers looking to transition some acreage to organic farming. Workshop topics will include main requirements for certification, working with a certification agency, how to prepare operations for application, complying with recordkeeping requirements, how to identify inputs acceptable for organic production, advice, tips and lessons learned from an experienced certified organic grower, cost-sharing, and other resources.
Pre-registration is required. The cost is $18.00 (will be $20.00 if you register after November 4th). Participants must register online. There are no refunds for registration costs.
View/download the workshop flyer.
Beekeeping Series – Gardening & Bees – November 18, from 9 a.m. to noon.
This class focuses on pollinators, their role in gardens and agriculture, and ways to attract and conserve them. Live bees will be used; please dress in protective clothing.
Pre-registration is required. The registration deadline is November 13th. The cost is $5.00. Participants must register online (with an additional fee). There are no refunds for registration costs.
For more information about these programs call 352-955-2402. Visit the Extension Office Calendar for additional programs offered by the Extension Office.
An Equal Opportunity Institution. Extension Service, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Nick T. Place, 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.