1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

Crave that cup of coffee in the morning? Globally, consumers drink more than 2.2 billion cups daily. Someone grows all that joe: More than 100 million farmers worldwide produce coffee. Coffee beans consumed across the globe come from two species: Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora, also known as Robusta (or Conilon) coffee. Historically, coffee drinkers [&#8230;]

Crave that cup of coffee in the morning? Globally, consumers drink more than 2.2 billion cups daily. Someone grows all that joe: More than 100 million farmers worldwide produce coffee.
Coffee beans consumed across the globe come from two species: Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora, also known as Robusta (or Conilon) coffee. Historically, coffee drinkers prefer Arabica beans for their specific flavor and aroma, said <a href="https://lfelipe-ferrao.github.io/">Felipe Ferrao</a>, a University of Florida research assistant scientist in horticultural sciences.
<figure id="attachment_46021" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46021" style="width: 200px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="size-medium wp-image-46021 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="200" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/07/Climate-smart-coffee_Felipe-Ferrao-in-greenhouse_072524-200x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46021" class="wp-caption-text">Felipe Ferrao with coffee plants. By Cat Wofford, UF/IFAS photography.</figcaption></figure>
But by 2050, about 80% of Arabica production is predicted to decrease because of climate change. So, Ferrao and colleagues from France (RD2 Vision) and Brazil (Incaper Institution) are investigating to see if they can find alternative coffee cultivars.
Scientists see two alternatives to supplement Arabica: one, adapt coffee farming practices to new environments and two, focus on species that are more resilient. <a href="https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/csc2.21298">New UF/IFAS-led research</a> shows that Robusta coffee might be a good candidate to augment Arabica.
“If you consider that nowadays, about 60% of coffee beans commercialized around the globe are from Coffea arabica, the coffee industry is looking for alternatives,” said Ferrao, lead author of the new study. “This is how and where Robusta coffee emerges as a good candidate.”
In the past few decades, production of Robusta coffee increased about 30%, representing a significant improvement in the coffee chain, he said.
“Overall, the species produces more coffee than Arabica, using fewer inputs, such as fertilizer and water. As its name suggests, the plant is more robust,” Ferrao said. “While the demand for Robusta coffee likely won’t decrease, our biggest challenge is to meet the demand for quality and productivity required by the coffee chain. In this sense, genetics and breeding studies can provide basic elements for a better understanding of diversity and factors that affect quality.”
For the study, Ferrao and his colleagues evaluated Robusta/Conilon and Arabica for multiple traits, in three locations in high altitudes in Brazil, for five years. They ultimately wanted to find out whether the Robusta cultivars could have a good yield when produced in alternative climates and whether they tasted good.
The study showed Robusta is highly adaptable and grows in high altitude regions, which means it combines good production and flavor scores.
“Robusta is flexible because it has a large diversity and therefore different plants can be selected, depending on the weather conditions,” Ferrao said. “With that said, we can shed some light on the fundamental question about the coffee of the future – climate-smart coffee.”
Researchers suggest Robusta can combine the following three elements for coffee cultivars:
<ul>
<li>Sustainability – produce more with fewer inputs.</li>
<li>Quality – good flavor to meet consumer demand.</li>
<li>Plasticity – capacity to adapt to new production systems.</li>
</ul>
Now that they’ve found good results with Robusta in Brazil, scientists are trying to see if it can grow in Florida.
“Here in Florida, we have some trials to test both Robusta and Arabica coffees in different locations. When compared to Brazil, the differences in the soil properties, rainfall distribution, temperature and weather events will certainly impact the coffee production and its quality,” Ferrao said.
<figure id="attachment_46019" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46019" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-46019 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/07/Climate-Smart-Coffee3_South-Florida072224-225x300.jpeg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46019" class="wp-caption-text">UF/IFAS scientists are trying to grow coffee cultivars in South Florida. Courtesy, Felipe Ferrao, UF/IFAS.</figcaption></figure>
To test coffee as an alternative crop for Florida growers, he and his UF/IFAS team are trying to grow coffee at the <a href="https://trec.ifas.ufl.edu/">Tropical Research and Education Center</a> (TREC) in Homestead. At TREC, Ferrao is working with Jonathan Crane, professor and associate center director and Ali Sarkhosh, associate professor, who’s based in Gainesville. Both are colleagues in the horticultural sciences department.
Ferrao is also trying to grow coffee in Pierson (in Volusia County) and with indoor production using high-tunnel structures in North Florida, marking the first time they’ve tested such a diverse set of coffee materials in Florida conditions.
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<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2024/07/25/cientificos-de-uf-investigan-como-ofrecerle-un-cafe-climaticamente-inteligente/">Para accesar a este contenido en español, por favor utilice este enlace. </a>
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu/">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>
WHY FOOD IS OUR MIDDLE NAME 
Feeding a hungry world takes effort. Nearly everything we do comes back to food: from growing it and getting it to consumers, to conserving natural resources and supporting agricultural efforts. Explore all the reasons why at <a href="https://ifas.ufl.edu/food/">ifas.ufl.edu/food</a> or follow <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23FoodIsOurMiddleName&amp;src=typed_query">#FoodIsOurMiddleName</a>.
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Crave that cup of coffee in the morning? Globally, consumers drink more than 2.2 billion cups daily. Someone grows all that joe: More than 100 million farmers worldwide produce coffee.
Coffee beans consumed across the globe come from two species: Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora, also known as Robusta (or Conilon) coffee. Historically, coffee drinkers prefer Arabica beans for their specific flavor and aroma, said Felipe Ferrao, a University of Florida research assistant scientist in horticultural sciences.
Felipe Ferrao with coffee plants. By Cat Wofford, UF/IFAS photography.
But by 2050, about 80% of Arabica production is predicted to decrease because of climate change. So, Ferrao and colleagues from France (RD2 Vision) and Brazil (Incaper Institution) are investigating to see if they can find alternative coffee cultivars.
Scientists see two alternatives to supplement Arabica: one, adapt coffee farming practices to new environments and two, focus on species that are more resilient. New UF/IFAS-led research shows that Robusta coffee might be a good candidate to augment Arabica.
“If you consider that nowadays, about 60% of coffee beans commercialized around the globe are from Coffea arabica, the coffee industry is looking for alternatives,” said Ferrao, lead author of the new study. “This is how and where Robusta coffee emerges as a good candidate.”
In the past few decades, production of Robusta coffee increased about 30%, representing a significant improvement in the coffee chain, he said.
“Overall, the species produces more coffee than Arabica, using fewer inputs, such as fertilizer and water. As its name suggests, the plant is more robust,” Ferrao said. “While the demand for Robusta coffee likely won’t decrease, our biggest challenge is to meet the demand for quality and productivity required by the coffee chain. In this sense, genetics and breeding studies can provide basic elements for a better understanding of diversity and factors that affect quality.”
For the study, Ferrao and his colleagues evaluated Robusta/Conilon and Arabica for multiple traits, in three locations in high altitudes in Brazil, for five years. They ultimately wanted to find out whether the Robusta cultivars could have a good yield when produced in alternative climates and whether they tasted good.
The study showed Robusta is highly adaptable and grows in high altitude regions, which means it combines good production and flavor scores.
“Robusta is flexible because it has a large diversity and therefore different plants can be selected, depending on the weather conditions,” Ferrao said. “With that said, we can shed some light on the fundamental question about the coffee of the future – climate-smart coffee.”
Researchers suggest Robusta can combine the following three elements for coffee cultivars:
Sustainability – produce more with fewer inputs.
Quality – good flavor to meet consumer demand.
Plasticity – capacity to adapt to new production systems.
Now that they’ve found good results with Robusta in Brazil, scientists are trying to see if it can grow in Florida.
“Here in Florida, we have some trials to test both Robusta and Arabica coffees in different locations. When compared to Brazil, the differences in the soil properties, rainfall distribution, temperature and weather events will certainly impact the coffee production and its quality,” Ferrao said.
UF/IFAS scientists are trying to grow coffee cultivars in South Florida. Courtesy, Felipe Ferrao, UF/IFAS.
To test coffee as an alternative crop for Florida growers, he and his UF/IFAS team are trying to grow coffee at the Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) in Homestead. At TREC, Ferrao is working with Jonathan Crane, professor and associate center director and Ali Sarkhosh, associate professor, who’s based in Gainesville. Both are colleagues in the horticultural sciences department.
Ferrao is also trying to grow coffee in Pierson (in Volusia County) and with indoor production using high-tunnel structures in North Florida, marking the first time they’ve tested such a diverse set of coffee materials in Florida conditions.
###
Para accesar a este contenido en español, por favor utilice este enlace. 
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS
WHY FOOD IS OUR MIDDLE NAME
Feeding a hungry world takes effort. Nearly everything we do comes back to food: from growing it and getting it to consumers, to conserving natural resources and supporting agricultural efforts. Explore all the reasons why at ifas.ufl.edu/food or follow #FoodIsOurMiddleName.

Crave that cup of coffee in the morning? Globally, consumers drink more than 2.2 billion cups daily. Someone grows all that joe: More than 100 million farmers worldwide produce coffee. Coffee beans consumed across the globe come from two species: Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora, also known as Robusta (or Conilon) coffee. Historically, coffee drinkers […]

UF scientists study how to bring you ‘climate-smart coffee’

Growers are always looking for ways to maintain or increase their yields and boost the ability of their crops to resist pests, diseases and heat brought on by climate change. That’s particularly the case when you grow crops in a high-intensity production system, which farmers use to grow tomatoes in Florida. Such systems require a [&#8230;]

Growers are always looking for ways to maintain or increase their yields and boost the ability of their crops to resist pests, diseases and heat brought on by climate change.
That’s particularly the case when you grow crops in a high-intensity production system, which farmers use to grow tomatoes in Florida.
Such systems require a lot of water, nutrients and chemicals to control pests and diseases. Growers typically fumigate to try to control underground pests and diseases, but that method doesn’t always work.
To explore other options, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded <a href="https://swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty/strauss/">Sarah Strauss</a>, a UF/IFAS associate professor of <a href="https://soils.ifas.ufl.edu/">soil, water, and ecosystem sciences</a>, a $700,000 federal grant to study ways to increase soil productivity.
<figure id="attachment_45731" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-45731" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-45731 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/07/Strauss_022124-300x200.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-45731" class="wp-caption-text">Sarah Strauss working in a research laboratory. Courtesy, UF/IFAS photography.</figcaption></figure>
“The question we’re asking is, ‘How do we make this high-intensity crop production system more efficient?’” Strauss said. “How can we enhance or improve the soil to reduce disease and pest pressure?”
Strauss and her colleagues will first study tomatoes, because they grow in abundance in Southwest Florida. She and her colleagues hope their results apply to farmers of high-intensity crops throughout the Southeast.
“We want more efficient control of these diseases and pests, which will help productivity,” said Strauss, a faculty member at the <a href="https://swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/">Southwest Florida Research and Education Center</a> in Immokalee. “Hopefully, with our findings, growers will also have more control of the nutrients they use to help their crops grow. That could reduce growers’ costs. The idea is, if you have a more resilient system, ultimately a farmer doesn’t have to spend as much.”
Farmers use cover crops when the land is fallow, or bare, when cash crops are not growing. They don’t make money from cover crops. Instead, they use them to protect soil.
Among other benefits, certain cover crops, like sunnhemp, can reduce the likelihood that nematodes will harm cash crops.
“But cover crops also might change soil microbes so that crops require less fertilizer,” Strauss said. “Changing which microbes are in the soil can help keep nutrients available for plants and may protect the plants against some diseases.”
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ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>

Growers are always looking for ways to maintain or increase their yields and boost the ability of their crops to resist pests, diseases and heat brought on by climate change.
That’s particularly the case when you grow crops in a high-intensity production system, which farmers use to grow tomatoes in Florida.
Such systems require a lot of water, nutrients and chemicals to control pests and diseases. Growers typically fumigate to try to control underground pests and diseases, but that method doesn’t always work.
To explore other options, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded Sarah Strauss, a UF/IFAS associate professor of soil, water, and ecosystem sciences, a $700,000 federal grant to study ways to increase soil productivity.
Sarah Strauss working in a research laboratory. Courtesy, UF/IFAS photography.
“The question we’re asking is, ‘How do we make this high-intensity crop production system more efficient?’” Strauss said. “How can we enhance or improve the soil to reduce disease and pest pressure?”
Strauss and her colleagues will first study tomatoes, because they grow in abundance in Southwest Florida. She and her colleagues hope their results apply to farmers of high-intensity crops throughout the Southeast.
“We want more efficient control of these diseases and pests, which will help productivity,” said Strauss, a faculty member at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee. “Hopefully, with our findings, growers will also have more control of the nutrients they use to help their crops grow. That could reduce growers’ costs. The idea is, if you have a more resilient system, ultimately a farmer doesn’t have to spend as much.”
Farmers use cover crops when the land is fallow, or bare, when cash crops are not growing. They don’t make money from cover crops. Instead, they use them to protect soil.
Among other benefits, certain cover crops, like sunnhemp, can reduce the likelihood that nematodes will harm cash crops.
“But cover crops also might change soil microbes so that crops require less fertilizer,” Strauss said. “Changing which microbes are in the soil can help keep nutrients available for plants and may protect the plants against some diseases.”
###
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS

Growers are always looking for ways to maintain or increase their yields and boost the ability of their crops to resist pests, diseases and heat brought on by climate change. That’s particularly the case when you grow crops in a high-intensity production system, which farmers use to grow tomatoes in Florida. Such systems require a […]

UF scientists plan to study whether cover crops or compost can increase the efficiency, resiliency of tomatoes, other produce

Florida farming is big business. To make it in today’s competitive market, those new to the industry need a solid business plan and the right marketing tactics to build a business from the ground up. &#8220;Agricultural operations, regardless of the size, need a roadmap to provide a sense of direction toward profitability,” said Jonael Bosques-Mendez, [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_43233" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-43233" style="width: 485px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-43233" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/03/Harpke_Family_Farm_greenhouse_in_Davie_Photo_courtesy_Lourdes_Mederos-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="485" height="364" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-43233" class="wp-caption-text">This is a small greenhouse farm business located in Davie. The Harpke Family Farm offers a variety of microgreens, fruit and more.</figcaption></figure>
Florida farming is big business.
To make it in today’s competitive market, those new to the industry need a solid business plan and the right marketing tactics to build a business from the ground up.
&#8220;Agricultural operations, regardless of the size, need a roadmap to provide a sense of direction toward profitability,” said <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hardeeco/author/jonael/">Jonael Bosques-Mendez</a>, a UF/IFAS Extension agricultural agent and UF/IFAS Extension director for Hardee County. “Without a business plan, it is very difficult to assess if the decisions you are making will ultimately lead to success.”
That is why the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension is offering online workshops to teach the basics of planning, implementing and building a farm operation for newcomers venturing into agriculture. Instructors will deliver the workshops in English and Spanish.
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/farming-is-a-business-workshop-english-tickets-789249094287?aff=oddtdtcreator">“Farming is a Business”</a> is designed for entrepreneurs interested in starting a farm business and for new farmers looking to expand their operations. The session will take place on April 18, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Registration deadline is April 15. A Spanish version of the workshop, <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/la-agricultura-es-un-negocio-taller-espanol-tickets-790220559967?aff=oddtdtcreator">“La Agricultura es un Negocio”,</a> is planned for May 2, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Registration deadline is April 29.
The cost for each workshop is $10 with materials included. Registration is required for each. Seating is limited to 25 registrants for each workshop.
UF/IFAS agriculture experts will provide resources and step-by-step instructions on building a comprehensive business plan. Those include company descriptions, marketing, operational, human resources and financial planning.
<figure id="attachment_43235" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-43235" style="width: 523px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-43235" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/03/Small_vegetable_and_cattle_farm_in_Florida_Courtesy_UFIFAS_Photography-300x195.jpg" alt="" width="523" height="340" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-43235" class="wp-caption-text">A vegetable and cattle farm in North Florida. Photo courtesy UF IFAS.</figcaption></figure>
“Farmers deal with many uncertainties. Among these are variable climatic patterns, pests and diseases, clientele preferences and fluctuating market prices that affect the value of the commodities they are growing in their fields,” said Bosques-Mendez. “A sound business plan can help producers have a clear picture of how much they will be spending before they plant, during the growing season, after the product leaves the field and ultimately the consumer’s tables.”
With 44,000 farming operations covering 9.7 million acres in the Sunshine State, according to the <a href="https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Florida-Agriculture-Overview-and-Statistics">Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services</a>, these farms contribute more than $160 million to the state’s economy. They produce a wide range of commodities and products, provide jobs and a stable income.
Yet U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show approximately 20% of new businesses fail during the first two to three years, said <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/author/luisrodriguezrosado/">Luis Rodriguez Rosado</a>, a UF/IFAS small farms Extension agent for Polk County, who will serve as an instructor along with Bosques.
“Farmers are particularly vulnerable to failure as they are often knowledgeable in crop management but lack resources or experience managing businesses,” said Rosado. “Because of this, farmers seek resources to help them make good business decisions in farm management.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, consumer preferences for food products have evolved, and there is now a growing demand for locally, sustainably produced goods, organic or otherwise, that are of the highest quality.
Simultaneously, those venturing into agriculture are becoming more interested in small-scale farming across Florida to meet consumer demands for a variety of niche commodities and services.
In 2020, U.S. farmers made $9 billion in direct food sales, an increase of 3% from 2015. Direct food sales in the Southeast accounted for just 7% of these sales or $609 million. Florida was the only state in the Southeast that made it to the top 10 of direct food sales with $247 million, 41% of the region’s total, according to a <a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Highlights/2022/local-foods.pdf">2022 USDA report</a>.
For more information, contact Rosado at <a href="mailto:lrodriguezrosado@ufl.edu">lrodriguezrosado@ufl.edu</a> or at 863-519-1049.
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<figure id="attachment_43259" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-43259" style="width: 540px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-43259 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="540" height="405" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/03/Hydroponics_at_urban-farming_institute_in_SouthFlorida_Photo_courtesy-UFIFAS-300x225.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-43259" class="wp-caption-text">Hydroponics at the Urban Farming Institute in South Florida. Photo courtesy UFIFAS.</figcaption></figure>
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By Lourdes Mederos, <a href="mailto:rodriguezl@ufl.edu">rodriguezl@ufl.edu</a>
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2024/03/18/descubra-como-iniciar-su-propio-negocio-agricola-uf-ifas-ofrece-talleres-virtuales-en-ingles-y-espanol-para-principiantes/">Para accesar a esta comunicación en español, por favor utilice este enlace. </a>
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>
 
WHY FOOD IS OUR MIDDLE NAME 
Feeding a hungry world takes effort. Nearly everything we do comes back to food: from growing it and getting it to consumers, to conserving natural resources and supporting agricultural efforts. Explore all the reasons why at <a href="https://ifas.ufl.edu/food/">ifas.ufl.edu/food</a> or follow <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23FoodIsOurMiddleName&amp;src=typed_query">#FoodIsOurMiddleName</a>.

This is a small greenhouse farm business located in Davie. The Harpke Family Farm offers a variety of microgreens, fruit and more.
Florida farming is big business.
To make it in today’s competitive market, those new to the industry need a solid business plan and the right marketing tactics to build a business from the ground up.
“Agricultural operations, regardless of the size, need a roadmap to provide a sense of direction toward profitability,” said Jonael Bosques-Mendez, a UF/IFAS Extension agricultural agent and UF/IFAS Extension director for Hardee County. “Without a business plan, it is very difficult to assess if the decisions you are making will ultimately lead to success.”
That is why the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension is offering online workshops to teach the basics of planning, implementing and building a farm operation for newcomers venturing into agriculture. Instructors will deliver the workshops in English and Spanish.
“Farming is a Business” is designed for entrepreneurs interested in starting a farm business and for new farmers looking to expand their operations. The session will take place on April 18, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Registration deadline is April 15. A Spanish version of the workshop, “La Agricultura es un Negocio”, is planned for May 2, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Registration deadline is April 29.
The cost for each workshop is $10 with materials included. Registration is required for each. Seating is limited to 25 registrants for each workshop.
UF/IFAS agriculture experts will provide resources and step-by-step instructions on building a comprehensive business plan. Those include company descriptions, marketing, operational, human resources and financial planning.
A vegetable and cattle farm in North Florida. Photo courtesy UF IFAS.
“Farmers deal with many uncertainties. Among these are variable climatic patterns, pests and diseases, clientele preferences and fluctuating market prices that affect the value of the commodities they are growing in their fields,” said Bosques-Mendez. “A sound business plan can help producers have a clear picture of how much they will be spending before they plant, during the growing season, after the product leaves the field and ultimately the consumer’s tables.”
With 44,000 farming operations covering 9.7 million acres in the Sunshine State, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, these farms contribute more than $160 million to the state’s economy. They produce a wide range of commodities and products, provide jobs and a stable income.
Yet U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show approximately 20% of new businesses fail during the first two to three years, said Luis Rodriguez Rosado, a UF/IFAS small farms Extension agent for Polk County, who will serve as an instructor along with Bosques.
“Farmers are particularly vulnerable to failure as they are often knowledgeable in crop management but lack resources or experience managing businesses,” said Rosado. “Because of this, farmers seek resources to help them make good business decisions in farm management.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, consumer preferences for food products have evolved, and there is now a growing demand for locally, sustainably produced goods, organic or otherwise, that are of the highest quality.
Simultaneously, those venturing into agriculture are becoming more interested in small-scale farming across Florida to meet consumer demands for a variety of niche commodities and services.
In 2020, U.S. farmers made $9 billion in direct food sales, an increase of 3% from 2015. Direct food sales in the Southeast accounted for just 7% of these sales or $609 million. Florida was the only state in the Southeast that made it to the top 10 of direct food sales with $247 million, 41% of the region’s total, according to a 2022 USDA report.
For more information, contact Rosado at lrodriguezrosado@ufl.edu or at 863-519-1049.
 
Hydroponics at the Urban Farming Institute in South Florida. Photo courtesy UFIFAS.
 
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By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
Para accesar a esta comunicación en español, por favor utilice este enlace. 
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS
 
WHY FOOD IS OUR MIDDLE NAME
Feeding a hungry world takes effort. Nearly everything we do comes back to food: from growing it and getting it to consumers, to conserving natural resources and supporting agricultural efforts. Explore all the reasons why at ifas.ufl.edu/food or follow #FoodIsOurMiddleName.

Florida farming is big business. To make it in today’s competitive market, those new to the industry need a solid business plan and the right marketing tactics to build a business from the ground up. “Agricultural operations, regardless of the size, need a roadmap to provide a sense of direction toward profitability,” said Jonael Bosques-Mendez, […]

Starting a farming business? UF/IFAS hosts virtual English and Spanish workshops for beginners

Climate

Clima

Farming Systems

Sistemas agrícolas 

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is agriculture that sustainably increases productivity, resilience (adaptation), reduces/removes green house gases (mitigation), and enhances achievement of national fool security and development goals.

La agricultura clim&aacute;ticamente inteligente es la agricultura que sosteniblemente incrementa la productividad, la resiliencia (adaptaci&oacute;n), reduce/remueve los gases de efecto invernadero (mitigaci&oacute;n) y promueve el logro de la seguridad alimentaria nacional y las metas de desarrollo.[<a href="http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_1361789093890">AGROVOC</a>] [<a href="https://lod.nal.usda.gov/nalt/314824">NALT</a>]

Climate-Smart Agriculture

Fraisse, Clyde W.

Agricultura climáticamente inteligente

Carbon Sequestration

Secuestro de carbono

<h3>Useful Links</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://abe.ufl.edu/">ABE Extension website</a></li>
<li><a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_abe_authors">ABE EDIS Authors</a></li>
</ul>

Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Phenomena

Natural Phenomena

Browse AskIFAS Terms

Systems

Sistemas

Farms

Granjas 

The science or practice of farming, including growing crops and raising animals for the production of food, fiber, fuel and other products. [NALT]
Agriculture or farming is the cultivation and breeding of animals, plants and fungi for food, fiber, biofuel, medicinal plants and other products used to sustain and enhance human life. [AGROVOC]

Agriculture

Agricultura

4-H Agricultural Science

Agricultural Production

Producción 

The farming system is defined as a decision-making unit comprising the farm household, cropping systems, and livestock systems, which transforms land, external inputs (seed, pesticides, nutrients, etc.), and labor (including knowledge) into useful products that can be consumed or sold. [NALT]

El sistema agr&iacute;cola se define como una unidad de toma de decisiones que comprende el hogar agricultor, los sistemas de cultivo y los sistemas ganaderos, que transforma la tierra, los insumos externos (semillas, pesticidas, nutrientes, etc.) y la mano de obra (incluido el conocimiento) en productos &uacute;tiles que se puede consumir o vender. [<a href="https://lod.nal.usda.gov/nalt/5506">NALT</a>]

Climate-Smart Agriculture

Related Links

Narrower Topics

Carbon Sequestration

Publications

AgroClimate Crop Season Planning Tool: Reducing the Risk of Extreme Weather Events During Key Stages of Crop Development

AgroClimate Indicators Web-Based Monitoring Tool

Detention/Retention for Citrus Stormwater Management

Florida Rainfall Data Sources and Types

Microsprinkler Irrigation for Cold Protection of Florida Citrus

Pesticide Safety and Personal Protective Equipment for Citrus Grove Workers

Saltwater Intrusion and Flooding: Risks to South Florida’s Agriculture and Potential Management Practices

The Strawberry Advisory System: A Web-Based Decision Support Tool for Timing Fungicide Applications in Strawberry

What Is the ENSO Climatology Tool?

Related IFAS Blog Posts

UF scientists study how to bring you ‘climate-smart coffee’

UF scientists plan to study whether cover crops or compost can increase the efficiency, resiliency of tomatoes, other produce

Starting a farming business? UF/IFAS hosts virtual English and Spanish workshops for beginners

Broader Topics

Climate

Farming Systems

Related Experts

Related Units

Agricultural and Biological Engineering

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