SMALL FARMS AND ALTERNATIVE ENTERPRISES

Market Gardening

Market gardening is the commercial production of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and other plants, on a scale larger than a home garden, yet small enough that many of the principles of horticulture can be applied. It is oriented toward local direct marketing, such as farmers markets. The Market Gardening course consists of nine classes, which together cover the different aspects of the design, startup, and operation of a successful, sustainable market gardening business.

• Introduction (PDF)
• Holistic Management (PDF)
• Business & Marketing Planning (PDF)
• Production Systems & Planning (PDF)
• Equipment & Tools; Post Harvest Handling (PDF)
• Food Safety; Regulations (PDF)
• Farmers Markets (PDF)
• Production & Financial Management; Resources (PDF)
• Energy Use Management; Renewable Energy; Certifications (PDF)

Organic Farming

• Organic Farming 101: An Agroecological Approach, part 1 (PDF)
• Organic Farming 101: An Agroecological Approach, part 2a (PDF)
• Organic Farming 101: An Agroecological Approach, part 2b (PDF)
• Organic Farming 101: An Agroecological Approach, part 3 (PDF)
• Organic Farming 101: An Agroecological Approach, part 4 (PDF)

Alternative Enterprises

Cut and Insectary Flower Production

• Cut and Insectary Flowers in Containers and Raised Beds 101, part 1 (PDF)
• Cut and Insectary Flowers in Containers and Raised Beds 101, part 2 (PDF)

Urban Agriculture

Considerable food system work in urban areas is being conducted by Extension on local, state and national levels. Extension’s involvement in urban agriculture has a long history in its focus on urban Extension program development to meet the growing needs of urbanizing communities, as well as in established urban locations. These efforts illustrate various ways state and county personnel are contributing to collaborative networks that integrate sustainable food production, processing, distribution, consumption, waste management and land planning.

• Urban Ag (1a): Introduction
• Urban Ag (1b): Production Systems
• Urban Ag (2a): Business Plans
• Urban Ag (2b): Marketing Plans
• Urban Ag (3a): Regulations
• Urban Ag (3b): Direct Markets
• Urban Ag (4a): Equipment and Tools
• Urban Ag (4b): Post Harvest
• Urban Ag (5): Financial Management - Record Keeping