UF/IFAS Extension offers “Starting a Successful Hydroponic Business” two-day short courses
When: March 13-14 or March 17-18, 2017
Where: Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center, 8202 County Road 417, Live Oak, FL 32060
Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/starting-a-successful-hydroponic-business-registration-28233604471
This program will feature demonstration and hands-on activities inside three greenhouses, a shade house, and an outdoor production area at the facility for two days and will also provide an optional grower tour on March 14 or March 18 for each class. The topics to be covered include: planning the business and developing a marketing strategy, growing transplants, selecting hydroponic systems, soilless media choices, irrigation, and fertilizer, managing pests, and the production of several crops from microgreens to herbs to cut flowers to tomatoes.
The short course is being offered in response to the tremendous increase in demand for information on using hydroponics and controlled growing systems to provide high quality locally grown products for local markets. The short course is perfect for those considering the venture or who have recently started a hydroponic business. This course has been offered since 2009 and has been very well received by nearly 80 attendees each year.
This UF/IFAS facility, Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center near Live Oak, is one of the best in the southeast for teaching protected ag and hydroponic growing in an actual operating greenhouse setting. Attendees will learn firsthand by doing it themselves. The optional tour will be an exclusive visit inside one of the most successful and modern greenhouse hydroponic operations in Florida.
This workshop is perfect for the small farmer wanting to start a business using controlled growing systems to provide high quality locally grown products for local markets, as well as families looking for an interesting hobby that will provide fresh flowers, vegetables, and herbs.