2018 Model State Program Report

Project Overview

SFL18-002
Project Type: PDP State Program
Funds awarded in 2018: $11,109.00
Projected End Date: 06/30/2020
Grant Recipient: Florida A&M University
Region: Southern
State: Florida
State Coordinator:
Dr. Cassel Gardner
Florida A&M University

Commodities

Not commodity specific

Practices

  • Crop Production: cover crops, cropping systems, crop rotation, double cropping, fertilizers, high tunnels or hoop houses, irrigation, low tunnels, multiple cropping, nutrient management, organic fertilizers, row covers (for season extension), season extension, shade cloth, water management
  • Education and Training: demonstration, display, extension, farmer to farmer, networking, technical assistance, workshop, youth education
  • Farm Business Management: agritourism, community-supported agriculture, farmers' markets/farm stands
  • Natural Resources/Environment: carbon sequestration, soil stabilization
  • Pest Management: compost extracts, cultural control, field monitoring/scouting, integrated pest management, mulches - general, prevention, trap crops
  • Production Systems: agroecosystems, hydroponics, organic agriculture, transitioning to organic
  • Soil Management: composting, earthworms, organic matter, soil analysis, soil quality/health
  • Sustainable Communities: community development, ethnic differences/cultural and demographic change, local and regional food systems, new business opportunities, quality of life, social networks, urban agriculture, urban/rural integration

    Abstract:

    Florida activities for 2018-2019 will build upon the basic framework for the model state program. Planned activities include integrating results of SARE funded research and Extension activities, and other relevant research, and using this information as resources for educational programs. We also plan to continue to strengthen our focus on targeted training for state and county Extension faculty, representatives of non-profit organizations, representatives of state and federal government agencies, and farmer representatives. To fulfill the priorities and objectives of our program, our training funds will be used to address programs in two subject matter areas: (1) Alternative Practices to Increase Sustainability Among Small Scale and Minority Producers (2) Natural Resource and Environmental Quality Protection and Preservation

    Project objectives:

    1. Maintain existing and establish new collaborative Extension trainings and programs with faculty members and county agents at University of Florida and Florida A&M University whose work addresses sustainability in production agriculture.
    2. Extend collaboration with organizations that are active in the post-production components of food systems, particularly non-profit, state, and governmental organizations whose work fosters development of food and agriculture businesses.
    3. Support the development of Extension programs in food systems, including Regional Specialized Agents whose work includes both on-farm production and post-farm gate aspects of food system development.
    4. Expand participation of minority, women, and limited resource farmers and professionals in SARE activities and programs, ensuring that these groups are well represented in the full range of SARE-funded professional development opportunities.

    SARE Expected Outcomes:

    1. County faculty members will participate in regional and national training programs in sustainable agriculture and will apply the lessons learned in their own programs.
    2. At least two of the statewide Extension priority teams will include information and resources about sustainable agriculture and SARE in their professional development training programs and Extension programming.
    3. Extension agents and farmers will identify opportunities, such as SARE-funded Research & Education, Professional Development, and On-Farm Research projects, for the development of alternative crops and enterprises and will play key roles in outreach and research projects that focus on alternative crops and enterprises.
    4. Regional and local county agents will develop new collaborations with organizations, agencies, and groups working in sustainable agriculture, including non-profit and for-profit organizations involved in post-farm gate food processing, marketing and distribution, and policy development.
    5. State, regional, and county Extension faculty members and agents will make increased use of resources to support programming in sustainable agriculture, including fiscal resources such as Southern SARE grants.
    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.