UF/IFAS and FAMU expand Small Farm Start-Up School to empower next generation of farmers

Ben Broughton harvesting carrots in 2021. Students in the Small Farm Start-Up School may decide to pursue a variety of agricultural businesses, including farming crops like carrots.

For anyone who’s dreamed of becoming the owner of their own farm, the journey can feel daunting. Between business planning, marketing and the unique challenges of producing goods in a dynamic economic environment, getting a business off the ground can feel like an up-hill battle.

That’s why the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), in partnership with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), is expanding its Small Farm Start-Up School to be statewide and include more resources for burgeoning farmers.

Registration is open now for the school’s nine-week course, which will run from April 14 to June 23. Classes are limited to 20 people per site and will be offered for the following counties: Gadsden, Hernando, Lee, Martin, Pasco, Sumter, Polk, St. Johns, Union, Volusia and Walton counties. Registration for up to two people costs $299 and includes textbooks, course material, farm visits, business plan guidance and more.

The class is well-suited for anyone interested in starting their own small farm in Florida, as well as entrepreneurs who want to transition into the agribusiness space.

“This class is for all entrepreneurs, but we will be addressing the most pressing issues for those who want to start their own small farms,” David Campbell, state coordinator for the UF/IFAS Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises initiative. “Farming is vital to Florida, and preparing future business owners to create resilient, profitable businesses means a stronger food system for the state and the country.”