Posted: 6-20-2008
New Sarasota-based program will encourage diversified small farming
It's said variety is the spice of life, but for small farms variety can be the key to life itself.
Many have a better chance of economic success if they produce multiple crops, to hedge against risk and ensure continuous income. Now there’s a new place for Southwest Florida farmers to learn about their options for branching out and broadening their horizons.
It’s the Diversified Small Farming Training Center, located in Sarasota on the grounds of the Crowley Museum and Nature Center. The project, part of the UF/IFAS Small Farms and Alternative Enterprise Program, is the brainchild of Robert Kluson, a Sarasota County extension agent.
The center is scheduled to open June 27.
“Our overall goal is to show someone with modest acreage that you can choose fruits and vegetable varieties to produce all year round,” Kluson said, adding that related information such as crop management and marketing will be emphasized.
The first project planned for the center is a half-acre vineyard demonstrating production of organic muscadine grape varieties. It’s a collaboration with the Florida A&M University Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research, and is supported by Rosa Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard in Manatee County, Kluson said.
To build on the initial effort, he plans future projects that demonstrate how vineyards can produce additional crops such as winter vegetables and native wildflower seeds, using agroforestry principles and resulting in greater revenue per acre.
Other projects slated for the near future will focus on mango and low-chill peach varieties suitable for production in the area. Livestock won’t be left out of the picture—in September, FAMU representatives will present their Master Goat Producer’s Certification Program.
And for laypeople who’ve never farmed, Kluson plans to offer classes this fall that give an overview of what’s involved, including both the challenges and opportunities. In addition, other classes will be offered at more advanced levels for experienced farmers.
“This will be a regional resource,” he said. “I’ve gotten a grant to get started and I plan to invite colleagues from other county extension offices to teach here… There’s so much we can do, and there’s interest throughout the area.
Visit the Small Farms and Alternative Enterprise Program Web site here
Visit the Sarasota County Small Farm and Ranch Program Web site here
Visit the Crowley Museum and Nature Center Web site here
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