1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

Plenty of farmers are selling their products on their farms to increase their customers. Many of these products require a food permit that the farmer must obtain before selling. On the other hand, there are several products that farmers can sell without a permit by following the cottage food law. &#160; What is the Cottage [&#8230;]

Plenty of farmers are selling their products on their farms to increase their customers. Many of these products require a food permit that the farmer must obtain before selling. On the other hand, there are several products that farmers can sell without a permit by following the cottage food law.
<figure id="attachment_8719" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8719" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="size-medium wp-image-8719 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2024/08/025110-300x200.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-8719" class="wp-caption-text">Raw honey can be sold under the Florida Cottage Food Law. Photo Credit: Cristina Carrizosa, UF/IFAS.</figcaption></figure>
&nbsp;
What is the Cottage Food Law?
The cottage food law of Florida allows unlicensed operators (People without a food permit) to sell certain food products with a low risk of foodborne diseases. Cottage food operators can sell these food products directly to consumers (online, by mail order, or in person) as long as their sales do not exceed $250,000 annually. These products must be prepared in the cottage food operator&#8217;s kitchen. Although cottage food operators do not need a permit, they need to comply with everything written in the cottage food laws. For more information about the cottage food law click <a href="https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Food/Food-Establishments/Cottage-Foods">here</a>.
&nbsp;
What Products are Considered Under the Cottage Food Law?
The following is a list of the products that can be sold under the Florida Cottage Food Law:
<ul>
<li>Loaf breads, rolls, and biscuits.</li>
<li>Cakes, pastries, and cookies that do not require refrigeration.
<figure id="attachment_6621" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6621" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-6621 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2023/05/IMG_0194-002-300x225.jpeg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6621" class="wp-caption-text">UF/IFAS Agents teaching at Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network Meeting 2021 at Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm, Fort Myers. Photo by Jessica Ryals</figcaption></figure></li>
<li>Candies and confections</li>
<li>Honey</li>
<li>Jams, jellies, and preserves (only from acid-fruits only).</li>
<li>Fruit pies and dried fruits.</li>
<li>Dry herbs, seasoning, and mixtures.</li>
<li>Homemade pasta.</li>
<li>Cereals, trail mixes, and granola.</li>
<li>Coated or uncoated nuts.</li>
<li>Vinegar and flavored vinegars.</li>
<li>Popcorn and popcorn balls.</li>
<li>Nut butters.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Small Farm Equipment
For a small farm, having the right equipment is important for efficiency and profitability. The right tools can significantly reduce labor time, enhance farm productivity, ensure that crops are planted, and in some cases harvested, efficiently. Knowing what kinds of equipment to invest in and how to maintain them can also help small farms stay competitive.
&nbsp;
Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN)
<figure id="attachment_8721" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8721" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-8721 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2024/08/Resized_20231103_102935-300x225.jpeg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-8721" class="wp-caption-text">Participants at the 2023 Fall Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN) Meeting at Circle C Farm in Hendry County. Photo by Jessica Ryals</figcaption></figure>
The Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN) is a group composed of UF/IFAS agents from the Southwest Region that connects growers to a resource network focused on diversified and sustainable farming systems. We help established farmers and new or beginner farmers from the counties of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, and Sarasota with any production, marketing, and management needs they may have with their agricultural commodities and help them solve problems to improve any aspects of their farms and product quality. For more information about the SWFSFN click <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota/agriculture/agriculture/southwest-florida-small-farmers-network/">here</a>.
&nbsp;
2024 Fall Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting
On Thursday, September 26 from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm, the SWFSN will be hosting a meeting at Stalk and Vine on 39 (14923 South County Road 39 Lithia, FL 33547) located in Hillsborough County. This meeting will focus on production methods, small-farm equipment, and marketing strategies for small-scale farms. There will be a presentation on the Cottage Food Law, then representatives from other agencies will give an overview of their roles and how they can work with small-scale farmers. UF/IFAS Extension will be hosting lunch. This is a great networking opportunity to get to know representatives from local agencies as well as other farmers in the area! For Registration and more details about the meeting click <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-fall-southwest-florida-small-farmer-network-meeting-tickets-966330639957?aff=oddtdtcreator">here</a>.
<figure id="attachment_8725" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8725" style="width: 230px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-8725 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="230" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-08-13-132725-230x300.png"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-8725" class="wp-caption-text">2024 Fall Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting Flyer.</figcaption></figure>
&nbsp;
For more information about the Florida Cottage Food Laws access the following “Ask IFAS” publication:
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FS425">Cottage Food in Florida</a>
For information about Florida Small Farms click <a href="https://smallfarm.ifas.ufl.edu/">here</a>.
&nbsp;
University Of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Plenty of farmers are selling their products on their farms to increase their customers. Many of these products require a food permit that the farmer must obtain before selling. On the other hand, there are several products that farmers can sell without a permit by following the cottage food law.
Raw honey can be sold under the Florida Cottage Food Law. Photo Credit: Cristina Carrizosa, UF/IFAS.
 
What is the Cottage Food Law?
The cottage food law of Florida allows unlicensed operators (People without a food permit) to sell certain food products with a low risk of foodborne diseases. Cottage food operators can sell these food products directly to consumers (online, by mail order, or in person) as long as their sales do not exceed $250,000 annually. These products must be prepared in the cottage food operator’s kitchen. Although cottage food operators do not need a permit, they need to comply with everything written in the cottage food laws. For more information about the cottage food law click here.
 
What Products are Considered Under the Cottage Food Law?
The following is a list of the products that can be sold under the Florida Cottage Food Law:
Loaf breads, rolls, and biscuits.
Cakes, pastries, and cookies that do not require refrigeration.
UF/IFAS Agents teaching at Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network Meeting 2021 at Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm, Fort Myers. Photo by Jessica Ryals
Candies and confections
Honey
Jams, jellies, and preserves (only from acid-fruits only).
Fruit pies and dried fruits.
Dry herbs, seasoning, and mixtures.
Homemade pasta.
Cereals, trail mixes, and granola.
Coated or uncoated nuts.
Vinegar and flavored vinegars.
Popcorn and popcorn balls.
Nut butters.
 
Small Farm Equipment
For a small farm, having the right equipment is important for efficiency and profitability. The right tools can significantly reduce labor time, enhance farm productivity, ensure that crops are planted, and in some cases harvested, efficiently. Knowing what kinds of equipment to invest in and how to maintain them can also help small farms stay competitive.
 
Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN)
Participants at the 2023 Fall Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN) Meeting at Circle C Farm in Hendry County. Photo by Jessica Ryals
The Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN) is a group composed of UF/IFAS agents from the Southwest Region that connects growers to a resource network focused on diversified and sustainable farming systems. We help established farmers and new or beginner farmers from the counties of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, and Sarasota with any production, marketing, and management needs they may have with their agricultural commodities and help them solve problems to improve any aspects of their farms and product quality. For more information about the SWFSFN click here.
 
2024 Fall Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting
On Thursday, September 26 from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm, the SWFSN will be hosting a meeting at Stalk and Vine on 39 (14923 South County Road 39 Lithia, FL 33547) located in Hillsborough County. This meeting will focus on production methods, small-farm equipment, and marketing strategies for small-scale farms. There will be a presentation on the Cottage Food Law, then representatives from other agencies will give an overview of their roles and how they can work with small-scale farmers. UF/IFAS Extension will be hosting lunch. This is a great networking opportunity to get to know representatives from local agencies as well as other farmers in the area! For Registration and more details about the meeting click here.
2024 Fall Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting Flyer.
 
For more information about the Florida Cottage Food Laws access the following “Ask IFAS” publication:
Cottage Food in Florida
For information about Florida Small Farms click here.
 
University Of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Plenty of farmers are selling their products on their farms to increase their customers. Many of these products require a food permit that the farmer must obtain before selling. On the other hand, there are several products that farmers can sell without a permit by following the cottage food law.   What is the Cottage […]

Cottage Food & Essential Farm Equipment at the 2024 Fall Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting

Beekeeping 101: Getting Starting With Your First Hive in Collier County is a hands-on introductory course designed to help the new beekeeper learn the basics of beekeeping. This program is organized by the UF/IFAS Extension Collier County 4-H Youth and Agriculture &#38; Sustainable Food Systems programs with support from our Residential and Commercial Horticultural agents, [&#8230;]

Beekeeping 101: Getting Starting With Your First Hive in Collier County is a hands-on introductory course designed to help the new beekeeper learn the basics of beekeeping. This program is organized by the UF/IFAS Extension Collier County 4-H Youth and Agriculture &amp; Sustainable Food Systems programs with support from our Residential and Commercial Horticultural agents, and local beekeepers. The class has been offered since 2016.
<h3>What You Will Learn in Beekeeping 101:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Bee Biology: Understanding the lifecycle and roles within a bee colony.</li>
<li>Beekeeping Equipment: Introduction to essential tools like bee suits, smokers, hives, frames, and more.</li>
<li>Hive Management: How to set up and maintain a hive, inspect it for health, and manage the colony throughout the year.</li>
<li>Bee Health: Identifying and managing pests, diseases, and other challenges related to the Florida environment.</li>
<li>Honey Harvesting: Basics of collecting and processing honey.</li>
<li>Regulations: Understanding the<a href="https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Bees-Apiary/Beekeeper-Registration"> laws and regulations</a> related to beekeeping in the state of Florida, as well as the <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN918">Florida Cottage Food Law</a>.</li>
<li>Environmental Impact: The role of bees in pollination and how beekeeping supports local ecosystems.</li>
</ul>
Students also get a chance to get do a hive inspection and extract honey. All proceeds for the class benefit our Collier County 4-H Youth Beekeeping program.
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Beekeeping 101 in Collier County" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5DYmWL3qS1Y?start=7&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<h3>Resources in Collier County:</h3>
<ul>
<li>UF/IFAS Extension Collier County: Contact 4-H Outreach Coordinator, Trisha Aldridge, our in-house beekeeper who can provide resources, and expert advice specific to the region.</li>
<li>Gulf Coast Beekeepers of Florida: Local beekeeper group provides mentorship, support, and networking opportunities. They <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gulf-coast-beekeepers-of-florida-monthly-meeting-collier-county-tickets-752835269557">meet monthly</a> at the Collier County Extension Office: 14700 Immokalee Road, Naples.</li>
<li>UF/IFAS Honey Bee Lab and Master Beekeeping Program: <a href="https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/">Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab </a></li>
</ul>
If you&#8217;re interested in beekeeping in Collier County, checking with the resources above is a great way to begin!

Beekeeping 101: Getting Starting With Your First Hive in Collier County is a hands-on introductory course designed to help the new beekeeper learn the basics of beekeeping. This program is organized by the UF/IFAS Extension Collier County 4-H Youth and Agriculture & Sustainable Food Systems programs with support from our Residential and Commercial Horticultural agents, and local beekeepers. The class has been offered since 2016.
What You Will Learn in Beekeeping 101:
Bee Biology: Understanding the lifecycle and roles within a bee colony.
Beekeeping Equipment: Introduction to essential tools like bee suits, smokers, hives, frames, and more.
Hive Management: How to set up and maintain a hive, inspect it for health, and manage the colony throughout the year.
Bee Health: Identifying and managing pests, diseases, and other challenges related to the Florida environment.
Honey Harvesting: Basics of collecting and processing honey.
Regulations: Understanding the laws and regulations related to beekeeping in the state of Florida, as well as the Florida Cottage Food Law.
Environmental Impact: The role of bees in pollination and how beekeeping supports local ecosystems.
Students also get a chance to get do a hive inspection and extract honey. All proceeds for the class benefit our Collier County 4-H Youth Beekeeping program.

Resources in Collier County:
UF/IFAS Extension Collier County: Contact 4-H Outreach Coordinator, Trisha Aldridge, our in-house beekeeper who can provide resources, and expert advice specific to the region.
Gulf Coast Beekeepers of Florida: Local beekeeper group provides mentorship, support, and networking opportunities. They meet monthly at the Collier County Extension Office: 14700 Immokalee Road, Naples.
UF/IFAS Honey Bee Lab and Master Beekeeping Program: Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab 
If you’re interested in beekeeping in Collier County, checking with the resources above is a great way to begin!

Beekeeping 101: Getting Starting With Your First Hive in Collier County is a hands-on introductory course designed to help the new beekeeper learn the basics of beekeeping. This program is organized by the UF/IFAS Extension Collier County 4-H Youth and Agriculture & Sustainable Food Systems programs with support from our Residential and Commercial Horticultural agents, […]

Beekeeping 101 Program at Collier County Extension

The National Association of County Agricultural Agents has awarded Jonael Bosques, agriculture agent and director of UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County, with the prestigious Distinguished Service Award. Bosques is one of only three recipients chosen for this esteemed recognition. This award underscores Bosques’ outstanding dedication and significant contributions to agriculture, community service, cultural competence and Florida [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_46491" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46491" style="width: 508px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-46491 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="508" height="381" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/08/Jonael-Bosques-engaging-students-in-natural-resources-300x225.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46491" class="wp-caption-text">Jonael Bosques engages students in a variety of topics during this field trip including natural resources ad water quality.</figcaption></figure>
The National Association of County Agricultural Agents has awarded <a href="https://sfbfp.ifas.ufl.edu/members/JonaelBosques.shtml">Jonael Bosques</a>, agriculture agent and director of <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hardee/">UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County</a>, with the prestigious Distinguished Service Award. Bosques is one of only three recipients chosen for this esteemed recognition.
This award underscores Bosques’ outstanding dedication and significant contributions to agriculture, community service, cultural competence and Florida 4-H youth.
His commitment to these areas has advanced the field of agriculture and positively impacted the communities he serves, said Timothy Wilson, UF/IFAS Extension director for St. Johns County and a production agriculture agent.
“I’ve known Jonael for more than 12 years, and he is a true educator,” he said. &#8220;He goes out of his way to help his clientele and fellow agents understand the science, making it applicable to everyday life. His background in animal science and small farm management has made him a ‘go-to’ person when working on agriculture issues.&#8221;
NACAA is a nationwide professional Extension organization established for Extension educators, agents and other professionals who work in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and natural resources, 4-H youth development, community development and related disciplines. The Distinguished Service Award is one of the highest honors an agricultural Extension agent can receive.
Bosques lives by a powerful motto: “Invest in others to build strong collaborations that last.”
This guiding principle is evident in his daily interactions, whether he is engaged with growers and farmers, devoted to developing and presenting programming efforts on agriculture, small farms and livestock production, is dedicated to 4-H youth development in his county or leading his team as county Extension administrator.
When engaged in community service, you might find Bosques teaching hundreds of elementary and middle school students about beekeeping and bees&#8217; vital role in our food system.
He collaborates with UF healthcare professionals throughout the year to ensure migrant farmworkers receive essential healthcare services.
<figure id="attachment_46493" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46493" style="width: 473px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-46493" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/08/Jonael-Bosques-receiving-Distinguished-Service-Award-at-NACAA-conference-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="473" height="315" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46493" class="wp-caption-text">Jonael Bosques receiving Distinguished Service Award at NACAA conference.</figcaption></figure>
He also works with UF/IFAS partners to instruct farmhands on safety and protective measures when they work with machinery and in the fields. He provides hands-on instruction on driving tractors, protecting against heat illness, pesticide safety and how to recognize harmful organisms that workers may encounter.
He also communicates science by <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/global/author/jonael/">blogging regularly</a>.
On his time off, he is dedicated to enhancing the access and efficacy of information and programs for Spanish-speaking communities in the Sunshine State.
“More people make Florida their home every day, and our state has a growing need for science-based education,” Bosques said. “Our job in Extension can have lasting effects that, when applied, can improve the finances of farming operations, individual families and positively impact the future of youth.”
UF/IFAS agents are purposely positioned in communities to shine a light at the possibilities for sustainable growth, he said.
“I am a science communicator, storyteller and jack-of-all-trades, who thrives on those moments when a producer is convinced to implement a recommendation, or when a child begins to see how cool dairy cows really are,” Bosques said. “Without Extension agents, these pivotal moments wouldn’t happen.”
Since 2016, Bosques has served as the County Extension Director and agriculture agent for UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County. His career also includes significant contributions as a small farms and alternative enterprises Extension agent in Marion County. Prior to joining UF/IFAS, he served in Extension at the University of Georgia in multiple capacities. Bosques served first as a livestock agent in Coffee County, followed by serving as an agriculture and natural resources agent and Extension coordinator at Green County.
<figure id="attachment_46495" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46495" style="width: 469px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-46495 " src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/08/Jonael-Bosques-with-beekeeping-enthusiasts-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="469" height="352" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46495" class="wp-caption-text">Jonael Bosques provides hands-on education for beekeeping enthusiasts.</figcaption></figure>
Bosques is committed to educating farmers and ranchers, focusing on livestock, small farms and agriculture. Over the course of his career at UF/IFAS, he has compiled an impressive portfolio, including the development of 1,442 teaching tools &#8212; such as videos, lectures and classes, delivered at local, national and international levels.
Additionally, he has held various roles within the Florida Association of County Agricultural Agents (FACAA), including the Search for Excellence Committee and Animal Science Chair.
Bosques is also a founder and active member of the <a href="https://extadmin.ifas.ufl.edu/teams-and-programs/cafe-latino/">Coalition of Florida Extension Educators for Latino Community</a> (CAFÉ Latino) at the University of Florida. This grassroots organization, part of UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), serves the growing and underserved Spanish-speaking population by providing access to science-based educational materials and training. Their efforts have garnered national attention as a successful model for promoting equal information access to all Floridians across Extension programs.
Throughout his career, Bosques has been recognized with 14 awards for his contributions to Extension education and diversity in agriculture, most notably receiving the National Extension Diversity Award from the American Public Universities/Extension Committee on Organization and Policy in 2023.
His work in educational video recording earned him national finalist recognition by NACAA in 2023 and a state winner accolade by the Florida Association of County Agricultural Agents in the same year.
Over the years, Bosques has consistently been honored for his excellence in various categories, including livestock production, international extension efforts and educational materials, solidifying his reputation as a leader in his field.
NACAA confers the Distinguished Service Award to members who have worked in Extension for at least 10 years, are held in high esteem by their fellow workers and have developed and implemented an outstanding Extension program.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
###
By Lourdes Mederos, <a href="mailto:rodriguezl@ufl.edu">rodriguezl@ufl.edu</a>
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2024/08/12/el-director-del-servicio-de-extension-de-uf-ifas-del-condado-de-hardee-recibio-el-premio-nacional-al-servicio-distinguido-de-nacaa/">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>

Jonael Bosques engages students in a variety of topics during this field trip including natural resources ad water quality.
The National Association of County Agricultural Agents has awarded Jonael Bosques, agriculture agent and director of UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County, with the prestigious Distinguished Service Award. Bosques is one of only three recipients chosen for this esteemed recognition.
This award underscores Bosques’ outstanding dedication and significant contributions to agriculture, community service, cultural competence and Florida 4-H youth.
His commitment to these areas has advanced the field of agriculture and positively impacted the communities he serves, said Timothy Wilson, UF/IFAS Extension director for St. Johns County and a production agriculture agent.
“I’ve known Jonael for more than 12 years, and he is a true educator,” he said. “He goes out of his way to help his clientele and fellow agents understand the science, making it applicable to everyday life. His background in animal science and small farm management has made him a ‘go-to’ person when working on agriculture issues.”
NACAA is a nationwide professional Extension organization established for Extension educators, agents and other professionals who work in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and natural resources, 4-H youth development, community development and related disciplines. The Distinguished Service Award is one of the highest honors an agricultural Extension agent can receive.
Bosques lives by a powerful motto: “Invest in others to build strong collaborations that last.”
This guiding principle is evident in his daily interactions, whether he is engaged with growers and farmers, devoted to developing and presenting programming efforts on agriculture, small farms and livestock production, is dedicated to 4-H youth development in his county or leading his team as county Extension administrator.
When engaged in community service, you might find Bosques teaching hundreds of elementary and middle school students about beekeeping and bees’ vital role in our food system.
He collaborates with UF healthcare professionals throughout the year to ensure migrant farmworkers receive essential healthcare services.
Jonael Bosques receiving Distinguished Service Award at NACAA conference.
He also works with UF/IFAS partners to instruct farmhands on safety and protective measures when they work with machinery and in the fields. He provides hands-on instruction on driving tractors, protecting against heat illness, pesticide safety and how to recognize harmful organisms that workers may encounter.
He also communicates science by blogging regularly.
On his time off, he is dedicated to enhancing the access and efficacy of information and programs for Spanish-speaking communities in the Sunshine State.
“More people make Florida their home every day, and our state has a growing need for science-based education,” Bosques said. “Our job in Extension can have lasting effects that, when applied, can improve the finances of farming operations, individual families and positively impact the future of youth.”
UF/IFAS agents are purposely positioned in communities to shine a light at the possibilities for sustainable growth, he said.
“I am a science communicator, storyteller and jack-of-all-trades, who thrives on those moments when a producer is convinced to implement a recommendation, or when a child begins to see how cool dairy cows really are,” Bosques said. “Without Extension agents, these pivotal moments wouldn’t happen.”
Since 2016, Bosques has served as the County Extension Director and agriculture agent for UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County. His career also includes significant contributions as a small farms and alternative enterprises Extension agent in Marion County. Prior to joining UF/IFAS, he served in Extension at the University of Georgia in multiple capacities. Bosques served first as a livestock agent in Coffee County, followed by serving as an agriculture and natural resources agent and Extension coordinator at Green County.
Jonael Bosques provides hands-on education for beekeeping enthusiasts.
Bosques is committed to educating farmers and ranchers, focusing on livestock, small farms and agriculture. Over the course of his career at UF/IFAS, he has compiled an impressive portfolio, including the development of 1,442 teaching tools — such as videos, lectures and classes, delivered at local, national and international levels.
Additionally, he has held various roles within the Florida Association of County Agricultural Agents (FACAA), including the Search for Excellence Committee and Animal Science Chair.
Bosques is also a founder and active member of the Coalition of Florida Extension Educators for Latino Community (CAFÉ Latino) at the University of Florida. This grassroots organization, part of UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), serves the growing and underserved Spanish-speaking population by providing access to science-based educational materials and training. Their efforts have garnered national attention as a successful model for promoting equal information access to all Floridians across Extension programs.
Throughout his career, Bosques has been recognized with 14 awards for his contributions to Extension education and diversity in agriculture, most notably receiving the National Extension Diversity Award from the American Public Universities/Extension Committee on Organization and Policy in 2023.
His work in educational video recording earned him national finalist recognition by NACAA in 2023 and a state winner accolade by the Florida Association of County Agricultural Agents in the same year.
Over the years, Bosques has consistently been honored for his excellence in various categories, including livestock production, international extension efforts and educational materials, solidifying his reputation as a leader in his field.
NACAA confers the Distinguished Service Award to members who have worked in Extension for at least 10 years, are held in high esteem by their fellow workers and have developed and implemented an outstanding Extension program.
 
 
###
By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
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

The National Association of County Agricultural Agents has awarded Jonael Bosques, agriculture agent and director of UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County, with the prestigious Distinguished Service Award. Bosques is one of only three recipients chosen for this esteemed recognition. This award underscores Bosques’ outstanding dedication and significant contributions to agriculture, community service, cultural competence and Florida […]

UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County director honored with national NACAA Distinguished Service Award

Farming Systems

Sistemas agrícolas 

Farms

Granjas 

Food Systems

Sistemas alimenticios

Farms with less than $250,000 gross receipts annually, on which day-to-day labor and management are provided by the farmer and/or the farm family that owns the production or owns, or leases, the productive assets. [NALT]

Fincas con ingresos brutos anuales inferiores a $250,000, en las que el agricultor y/o la familia campesina propietaria de la producci&oacute;n o propietaria, o arrendataria, de los activos productivos, proporcionan la mano de obra y la administraci&oacute;n cotidianas. (NALT)

Small Farms

Pequeñas granjas

In 2011, the Florida Legislature enacted HB 7209 (now Section 500.80, Florida Statutes) (http://leg.state.fl.us/statutes/) allowing individuals to manufacture, sell, and store certain types of cottage foods in an unlicensed kitchen.

En 2011, la Legislatura de Florida promulg&oacute; la ley HB 7209 (ahora Secci&oacute;n 500.80, Estatutos de Florida) (http://leg.state.fl.us/statutes/) que permite a las personas fabricar, vender y almacenar ciertos tipos de alimentos caseros en un lugar sin licencia. cocina.

Cottage Foods

Comida casera

Browse AskIFAS Terms

Entities

Entidades

Organizations

Economic Development and Entrepreneurship 

An organization engaged in the production, distribution and/or sale of goods or services in order to satisfy customer requirements and make a profit.

Business Enterprises

Empresas de negocios 

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>]

Small Farms

Narrower Topics

Cottage Foods

Publications

A Farm to School Procurement Calculator for Specialty Crop Producers and School Food Service Staff

Characteristics of Small Farm Operators in Florida: Economics, Demographics, and Preferred Information Channels and Sources

Fertigation for Vegetables: A Practical Guide for Small Fields

Imperfect Competition Yields Profits Beyond the Farm Gate

Keys to Successfully Choosing Enterprises That Suit Your Small Farm

Postharvest Storage, Packaging and Handling of Specialty Crops: A Guide for Florida Small Farm Producers

Value Added Agriculture: Is It Right for Me?

Related IFAS Blog Posts

Cottage Food & Essential Farm Equipment at the 2024 Fall Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting

Beekeeping 101 Program at Collier County Extension

UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County director honored with national NACAA Distinguished Service Award

Broader Topics

Farming Systems

Farms

Food Systems

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