The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension has launched a new bilingual online resource to help Florida farmers strengthen their operations through effective business planning.
The websites, Building Your Florida Farm Business Plan / Construyendo tu Plan de Negocios Agrícola de Florida, offers step-by-step guidance, practical tools and expert insights to support new and experienced farmers in creating comprehensive farm business plans.
“Farming is more than growing crops or raising livestock—it’s running a business,” said Luis Rodriguez, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County agent specializing in small farms and pesticide education and a member of the Coalition of Florida Extension Educators for Latinos, also known as UF/IFAS CAFÉ Latino. “A solid business plan is a living roadmap that helps producers make informed decisions. And if farmers need local support, we can connect them with Extension agents across the state.”
The platform provides farmers with resources on:
- Crafting a clear business description.
- Developing a marketing plan, including nine actionable steps.
- Building operational and human resource plans.
- Creating financial documents such as income statements, cash flow, balance sheets and break-even analysis.
- Writing an executive summary to pull all the pieces together.
Business plans are not only essential for guiding everyday decision-making but are required when applying for loans and financial support. For example, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) requires a detailed business plan for loan applications—including direct loans, guaranteed loans and land contracts. Without one, an application will not be considered.
“As a farmer or rancher, whether you are just starting out or have many years of experience, there are times when you need to borrow money to expand, sustain or make changes to your business,” Rodriguez added. “Having a plan in place ensures you’re ready to meet those opportunities.”
By offering the resource in both English and Spanish, UF/IFAS Extension is making business planning more accessible to the diverse community of farm operators and entrepreneurs across Florida, said Rodriguez.
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By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
Para accesar a esta comunicación en español, por favor utilice este enlace.
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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