Characterizing Polk Small Farms, As Compared to a Previous Florida Small Farms Survey

A Small Farms Survey based on a previous statewide survey was mailed to 465 small farms in Polk County, FL.  Lists used were from the Polk County Property Appraisers office lists.  Those selected were listed as having agricultural exemptions on their property in several categories: cropland, poultry, bees, fish, and dairy.  Those listed as having exemptions for land in citrus or pasture were not included in the survey, as the purpose of the survey was to perform a needs assessment of farms that would be served by the Polk Small Farms Program and farms in citrus and livestock production fall under the responsibility of other program areas.  The survey was mailed twice in March 2011 using IRB approved protocol.  An introductory letter was sent shortly before sending the survey the first time.  The survey was sent again two weeks later to those that had not responded to the first survey.  One-hundred and eighteen surveys were included.  Not all respondents answered all of the questions. Response data were entered into the SAS statistical package.  Data were analyzed using the FREQ Procedure.  The survey consisted of forty questions and collected in depth information on the size, type, and income of small farm enterprises in Polk County.  Farmers were also characterized by demographic, experience, education, motivation, and plans for the future.  Overall, Polk County farmers are less educated and experienced than previous statewide data. Methods used and trends suggested by the data may be useful for others working to establish programs addressing small farms such as local and regional food systems development and Extension education.  The data will be used as a benchmark for comparison to other existing populations and programs in addition to future changes in the population of Polk County farmers.