Ask an Agent - UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension
Sustainable Agriculture
The place where you can ask an Extension agent a question online and get an answer within 24-72 hours. Just click on your area of interest and ask away! Be sure to check the Frequently Asked Questions first, because you may find your question (and answer) there.
Topic Areas
Sarasota Food Policy Council (SFPC)
Q. What is the Sarasota Food Policy Council (SFPC)?
Sustainable Agriculture Methods
Q: How can I learn about sustainable agriculture methods and principles?
Event Calendars
Sarasota Food Policy Council (SFPC)
Q. What is the Sarasota Food Policy Council (SFPC) ?
A. It is the Food Policy Council of Sarasota County. A Food Policy Council is an advisory council composed of a diverse group of stakeholders that make recommendations for a sustainable community foodshed or food system. For information on the achievements and activities of SFPC see http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/AG/agpolicy.shtml. For information about Food Policy Councils see http://www.statefoodpolicy.org/?pageID=qanda and http://www.foodsecurity.org/FPC/
Sustainable Agriculture Methods
Q: How can I learn about sustainable agriculture methods and principles?
A: Sustainable agriculture is one that produces abundant food without depleting the earth’s resources or polluting its environment. It is agriculture that follows the principles of nature to develop systems for raising crops and livestock that are, like nature, self-sustaining. Sustainable agriculture is also the agriculture of social values, one whose success is indistinguishable from vibrant rural communities, rich lives for families on the farms, and wholesome food for everyone. Free information can be obtained at local (see http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/AG/ag.shtml), regional (see http://www.ssawg.org/), and national websites (see http://attra.ncat.org/ and http://www.sare.org/).
Q. What is organic farming and gardening? Where do I find out information on how to grow food organically?
A. Organic farming and gardening are methods of growing foods that combine traditional agriculture with innovation and science. Simply stated, it is a set of management practices that will, over the long term, sustain or enhance soil quality, enhance biological diversity and preserve natural resources. The USDA’s National Organic Program currently regulates and enforces organic farming production. This program was fully implemented in 2002 to ensure products that bear an organic label reflect a consistent set of practices to facilitate trade and maintain consumer trust.
For UF/IFAS documents about organic farming and gardening refer to the following websites:
(i) Organic vegetable production - http://vfd.ifas.ufl.edu/gainesville/organic_produce/index.shtml
(ii) Managing the organic garden - http://training.ifas.ufl.edu/VegetableGardening/Organic
(ii) Organic vegetable gardening - http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/VHO19
Event Calendars
Q. What are the yearly calendars of events for information about my farm, ranch, garden and/or forest lands?
A. Events calendars can be found at the following websites:
a) general agriculture - http://www.florida-agriculture.com/marketing/calendar.htm
b) farm -
(i) agribusiness - http://calendar.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar/cgi-bin/cal_make.pl?p0=cal&p2=MOD
(ii) small farms - http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/events_calendar.html
(iii) fruits/vegetables - http://calendar.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar/cgi-bin/cal_make.pl?p0=cal&p2=MOD
(iv) citrus - http://desoto.ifas.ufl.edu/Agricultural/citrus%20events.html
c) ranch -
(i) forage - http://agronomy.ifas.ufl.edu/ForagesofFlorida/calendar.php
(ii) livestock - http://calendar.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar/cgi-bin/cal_make.pl?p0=cal&p2=MOD and http://sfbfp.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar.html
d) gardening -
(i) vegetable/flower planting http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/lawn_and_garden/calendar/
e) forest lands -
(i) forestry - http://www.fl-dof.com/calendar/index.html
(ii) natural resources & environment - http://calendar.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar/cgi-bin/cal_make.pl?p0=cal&p2=MOD
Still need help? You can email our Sustainable Agriculture Agent by clicking here!
Ask An Agent
The place where you can ask an Extension agent a question online and get an answer within 24-72 hours.
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