Small Farms
Over 90 percent of all farms in Florida can be categorized as small farms, which now make up a significant part of the state's agriculture industry. The UF/IFAS Small Farms Extension Program supports Florida’s diverse and growing small farm and food business community through research-based education, technical assistance, and on-the-ground engagement. Led by state and county faculty across Florida, the program connects producers with practical tools, training, and networks that strengthen farm viability, resilience, and long-term success.
Our agents’ expertise spans production, marketing, food safety, value-added enterprises, and emerging technologies—from field-grown fruits and vegetables to hydroponics, agritourism, livestock, and specialty crops. Rooted in the land-grant mission of UF/IFAS, the Small Farms team collaborates closely with farmers, researchers, and communities to respond to local needs while addressing statewide priorities.
By fostering innovation, supporting beginning and established producers, and strengthening local and regional food systems, the program helps ensure a sustainable, profitable, and accessible food system for Florida.
Citrus
The Citrus Extension Program at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) supports Florida’s citrus industry by translating research into practical, field-ready solutions for growers and stakeholders statewide. For more than 100 years, CREC has advanced citrus production through an integrated approach that combines research, Extension, and education—focused entirely on one commodity.
Extension faculty and specialists work directly with growers to address critical challenges such as disease management, grove sustainability, and production efficiency. Through applied research, on-farm demonstrations, decision-support tools, and grower-focused education, the program ensures science moves from the laboratory into commercial practice.
As the oldest and largest off-campus research center within UF/IFAS, CREC houses UF/IFAS faculty, Extension professionals, and the research staff of the Florida Department of Citrus in one integrated location.
The Crop Transformation Center (CTC) was established in 2023 to help move improved crop varieties from research into real-world use. The Center focuses on developing genetically improved crops, especially citrus varieties with resistance to citrus greening (HLB), and preparing them for successful adoption by growers.
By considering performance, regulatory readiness, grower needs, and consumer acceptance early in the process, the Center helps reduce risk and shorten the time it takes for new varieties to reach the field. Led by faculty across seven academic units at the University of Florida, the CTC is creating a diverse pipeline of improved germplasm and the tools to move traits from concept to product. The team works to deliver long-term solutions that strengthen Florida agriculture and protect its most vulnerable crops.
Nursery and Greenhouse
Florida’s nursery and greenhouse industry is one of the largest in the country, supporting more than 150,000 jobs and contributing over $20 billion to Florida’s economy. It includes both ornamental plant production and food crops grown in greenhouses and hydroponic systems.
UF/IFAS Extension supports nursery, greenhouse, and hydroponic growers with practical, research-based guidance on production systems, pest and nutrient management, and business operations. As demand grows for high-quality, year- round produce, Extension provides trainings to help growers select appropriate systems and manage the significant investments required for hydroponic and controlled-environment production.
Organic Production
Organic production covers a wide range of farming systems and practices, from small farms and community-supported agriculture to diversified operations that rely on renewable resources, biological pest management, and soil-building strategies. In Florida, organic systems are shaped by climate, markets, and national organic standards, making access to reliable, region-specific information essential.
UF/IFAS Extension shares expert guidance on organic production practices, certification and standards, pest and disease management, and sustainable agriculture topics that matter to organic growers and consumers alike. These resources help producers navigate organic requirements, adapt practices to Florida conditions, and make informed decisions across production, marketing, and stewardship.
Fruit and Vegetable Production
UF/IFAS Extension supports commercial fruit and vegetable growers with Florida-specific, research-based information developed through field trials, long-term studies, and close collaboration with growers across the state. Resources are designed to support informed production decisions under Florida’s unique climate, soils, and pest pressures.
Growers engage directly with UF/IFAS researchers and breeders through Extension programs, workshops, and on-farm activities. These opportunities allow producers to see new cultivars and production practices in the field, discuss performance data, and better understand tradeoffs related to yield, quality, disease resistance, and management inputs. Support spans major commercial fruit crops—such as blueberries, citrus, stone fruits, strawberries, tropical fruits, and specialty crops like finger limes—as well as vegetable crops including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, potatoes, squash, and pumpkins. Additional crop-specific resources are available through the pages linked below, with guidance grounded in UF/IFAS research.
