Small Farm and Ranch Program

Welcome to the Small Farm and Ranch Program of Sarasota County Extension.  Here you will find resources and programs highlighting opportunities for county residents to participate in the local food system of Sarasota County.  This program seeks to assist small and mid-size landowners who are considering growing crops and animals for profit or personal use. It makes available the latest information designed for both beginning and experienced small farmers and ranchers.   

To put things in perspective, small farms represented more than 90% of all farms in Florida, based on the USDA definition of up to $250,000 in sales.  In addition, in 2002 Florida farms sold more than $6 billion worth of agricultural products with product sales from small farms representing about 15% of that total.  It is good news for small farmers and ranchers that the level of institutional commitment to provide assistance is on the rise.  For example, a renewed acknowledgement of the federal role to serve the full diversity within agriculture is reflected by the improved USDA Small Farms Program and their sponsorship of 4 since 1996. 

Here in Florida the UF/IFAS/FAMU Small Farm and Alternative Enterprise Program was initiated in 2003.  This statewide program provides an online library of references ranging from business/market planning to niche enterprise opportunities for local markets, such as farmers markets and restaurants.

In addition, this program sponsors regional workshops, such as the 2007 Southcentral Workshop in Sarasota County, that bring experts and farmers together with this information. 

In support of this statewide program, Sarasota County Extension offers the following projects that provide educational events to the general public that are listed on the extension educational calendar:

• Beginning Farmers: Planning for Your Successful Farm - short course
• Market Garden Training Project – monthly classes
• Visit the Florida Small Farms Blog
• Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN) - quarterly meetings of small farmers held at local farms for networking and educational purposes.
• Organic farming and ranching – training on the production methods and certification requirements of the USDA National Organic Program.

• 

  2011 Annie’s Project course is now completed.  Classes will begin in early 2012 and will be held at Sarasota County Extension Office.  Registration information will be posted.