Agriculture, horticulture, and related industries are vital components of Florida&rsquo;s economy. It is imperative that our agricultural and horticultural producers continue to be economically and environmentally sustainable, as these enterprises provide the products that increase our quality of life and provide access to safe and nutritious food.

UF/IFAS Extension Initiative 1: Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

Foods

Alimentos

Economics

Economía

The number of farm and food entrepreneurs is increasing in rural and urban communities. Most communities do not have established food systems that can deliver food products from the farms to the consumers. Food system development includes farmers&rsquo; markets, community gardening, food hubs, processors, and wholesale/direct market development. Food system development also includes programs like Farm to School and Farm to Institution. Extension education programs that focus on farm food safety, beginning farmer and rancher classes, food manager certification, marketing/business planning, and consumer education are needed to enhance understanding of food systems in local communities and to ensure access to safe and affordable food.

Food Supply Chain

Food Systems

Sistemas alimenticios

Food Safety

Seguridad Alimentaria

Commercial Food Safety

Access by all people, at all times to sufficient food for an active and healthy life. Food security includes at a minimum: the ready availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, and an assured ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways.

Food Security

Agricultural Economics

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