Please see caption below
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The First Coast Specialty Crop Conference, created by UF/IFAS, comes to Jacksonville on Aug. 15, the first of five new regional conferences in 2015 and 2016 across the state.
The conference has evolved from an annual statewide event that began in 2009 in Kissimmee to more targeted, regional conferences across the state. A team of UF/IFAS Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Extension agents and other stakeholders created the conference series, said Danielle Treadwell, a UF/IFAS associate professor in horticultural sciences.
Experts at the program at the Student Union Building of the University of North Florida will address concerns of Northeast Florida farmers, providing them with multiple learning and networking opportunities.
Whether you are interested in improving your farming skills by enhancing your soils and pest management, obtaining practical knowledge for postharvest practices, or diversifying your farm through cut-flower production, mushrooms or microgreens, this is a great place and time to learn.
“I’d like everyone that comes to walk away feeling that they have additional tools, skills that will benefit their farm,” said David Nistler, an agriculture, small farm and natural resources Extension agent for Clay County, who is part of the conference planning team.
The conference will also provide participants with marketing skills through a number of detailed skill sessions. Finally, in a small-group setting, there will be comprehensive, in-depth meetings created to provide attendees with skills like reading and interpreting soil tests as well as pest and disease identification.
Among the speakers will be UF/IFAS researchers and Extension personnel, agricultural industry experts and experienced farmers who, according to Nistler, bring a unique perspective about what they do.
“We’re very excited to see farmers who are excited and want to share with other people,” he said.
Check out the Conference Program and Register online at www.firstcoastconference.eventbrite.com. Early Bird registration is $45 if you register on or before July 28. Registration is $55 after this date. Your registration includes refreshments, lunch, and educational materials.
For more information about the conference, contact Jose Perez at 352-294-1692 or joseperezoro@ufl.edu.
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Caption: The First Coast Specialty Crop Conference, created by UF/IFAS, comes to Jacksonville on Aug. 15, the first of five new regional conferences in 2015 and 2016 across the state. The conference has evolved from an annual statewide event that began in 2009 in Kissimmee (see the photo above from the 2011 conference) to more targeted, regional conferences across the state.
Credit: UF/IFAS file photo.
By: Brad Buck, 352-294-3303, bradbuck@ufl.edu
Source: Jose Perez, 352-294-1692, joseperezoro@ufl.edu
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