A new conference geared toward small farmers and people interested in the local food system is coming up quickly. The Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference will be held in Kissimmee at the Osceola Heritage Park on August 1st and 2nd.
Increased consumer demand for local products such as organic, heirloom, hydroponic, grass-fed beef, pastured poultry and ethnic meats and vegetables are providing new and increased opportunities for producers.The USDA defines small farms as those with gross annual sales of $250,000 or less. Small farms contribute 37% of the value of all agricultural products sold in the U.S. In Florida, 93% of the 47,000 farms are defined by the USDA as small farms and this number is growing.
The conference will provide two full days of educational and networking activities geared to small farms. Educational events will consist of presentations, workshops, demonstrations, and discussion groups on a variety of topics. Topics will include:
* Alternative Energy * Alternative Enterprises* Business and Marketing* Horticulture* Livestock including live animal exhibits* Organic & Sustainable Farming* Policy and Regulations.
Networking opportunities will range from visiting with exhibitors with new products and technologies to refreshment breaks and lunches featuring products from Florida farms.If you are affiliated with, interested in, or just want to learn more about diversified farming enterprises and community-based food systems in Florida, you will want to participate in this conference.
Register Online at http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/
Save the date for the 4th editon of our local farm conference and trade show! AGRItunity 2010 will be held at the Sumter County fairgrounds on January 22 and 23, 2010. For more information about participating as an exhibitor or attending call us at (352) 793-2728.
