The UF/IFAS Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Extension Team
is proud to present the
An educational event for Florida fruit and vegetable producers on
Friday, November 6, 2015 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (EST)
at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka, FL
The Mid-Florida Specialty Crops Conference on November 6, is designed to provide multiple networking and educational opportunities for small and medium size farm operators and other stakeholders in the regional food system. This conference is the second of the new regional events created by a team of UF/IFAS Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises extension agents.
The Mid-Florida Research and Education Center will be used to provide a great networking space and share practical farming knowledge that can help farmers across the region. If you are looking into diversifying your agricultural production and markets, this is the place for you. Are you in the ornamental industry and are considering producing greenhouse vegetables? Or perhaps diversifying into relatively new crops such as blueberries or grapes? This event is for you! For other farm operators, regardless of their farm size, there are plenty networking and learning opportunities. It will be a full day of learning and you will have a diverse program to choose from.
The session topics include Vegetable Production, Grape and Blueberry production, Post-Harvest Handling, Food Safety Audits, Local and Wholesale Marketing and Integrated Pest Management. An important feature of the conference is the participation of experienced farmer speakers. They will discuss among themselves and with IFAS experts about their challenges, successes and opportunities for growers like them.
Keynote speaker John Rife, owner and founder of East End Market, will talk about how local agriculture can revitalize local economies in the region. Additionally, Orange County Commissioner Bryan Nelson will also provide his perspective on the importance of agriculture in the Central Florida region.
Come, network and learn with other farmers, IFAS Extension and Research Personnel and other industry representatives.
Check out the Conference Program and Register online at: www.midfloridaconference.eventbrite.com Registration fee is $30 early bird, $40 after October 25. Registration includes refreshments, lunch, and educational materials.
For More information, contact Jose Perez at joseperezoro@ufl.edu or call 352-294-1692
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