Training and Demonstration of Best Management Practices in Vegetables and Fruits on Small Farms in North Florida

Fruits and vegetables production in North Florida at small farms has not achieved its full potentials due to limitted new knowledge and improved farm technology including new cultivars availability. To find the solution to these challenges, vegetable demonstration plots were setup with 72 raised beds in 2 blocks and 28 rows (60 feet long) in 2 blocks as a part of FAMU's Small Fruits and Vegetables Outreach Program using best management practices. The suitable cultivars to North Florida’s ecological conditions were carefully selected. Also, selected vegetables were planted in early March to April and grown throughout summer and fall. The vegetable crops consisted of okra, mustard greens, red bell pepper, green beans, mustard, turnips, collard greens, eggplants, and tomatoes. Fruit trees were planted around vegetable production area. Fruit trees included peach, plum, nectarine, grapes, apple, pear, citrus and persimmon. These crops were evaluated for small farm productivity and profitability for small growers. To train small farmers, extension agents and students in horticultural best management practices, several hand-on workshop and trainings were conducted throughout the year that included., workshop on soil prepartion, seed sowing, fertilization, irrigation, pruning, grafting; pesticide training and Grape Harvest Festival. On-farm training and demonstrations were carried out to disseminate the improved technology. Also, we provided experiential learning experiences to K12 participants. All participants received extensive hands-on experiential learning on best management practices from our trained outreach and extension faculty, collaborators and staff. The linkages and partnerships developed under this program has enhanced the extension component of the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences in serving the underserved communities in urban settings.