ENHANCING COMMUNITY AGRICULTURAL AWARENESS WITH SCHOOL HYDROPONIC VEGETABLE PRODUCTION EDUCATION
Agricultural Issues
James DeValerio
EXTENSION AGENT 2, AGRICULTURAL & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
University of Florida Food and Agricultural Sciences
STARKE
Abstract
ENHANCING COMMUNITY AGRICULTURAL AWARENESS WITH SCHOOL HYDROPONIC VEGETABLE PRODUCTION EDUCATION\r\nDeValerio,* J.1, Hochmuth, R.2\r\n1. Extension Agent, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Bradford County Extension, Starke, Florida 32091\r\n2. Multi-County Extension Agent, Vegetable Crops, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Live Oak, FL 32060\r\n In need of technical expertise, Bradford schools FFA instructor sought advice on commercial hydroponic cropping systems. An awarded business grant required the students to grow and market hydroponically grown crops. Extension and school educators planned to (1) teach greenhouse structural components, (2) teach Integrated Pest Management (IPM), (3) grow four crops with three types of cropping systems, (4) market the produce, (5) use the facility to train farmers and (6) increase agricultural awareness and appreciation in the community; all within the framework of a hands-on learning experience. Eleven group teaching events and twenty-six “train the trainer” sessions reaching 924 attendees included presentations to Rotary, Kiwanis, Farm City and students resulting in a heightened sense of agricultural awareness and appreciation and students demonstrating skill development in greenhouse structural components, IPM practices for pest exclusion, growing cucumber, tomato, lettuce, herbs and strawberries using three hydroponic production systems (Bato buckets for climbing cucumber and tomato, vertical growing systems for leafy greens and herbs and lay-flat bags for strawberries), minimized water and fertilizer use by leachate monitoring and marketed their produce. A hands-on demonstration workshop hosting 75 farmers, parents and students was a public relations success. Several attendees, including another FFA agriculture instructor, traversed multiple counties to attend the workshop. A high impact success, the project exceeded all defined objectives. The transformation of an under used, cost accruing greenhouse facility into a vibrant learning center has been recognized throughout the community.
Authors: Devalerio, J.
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Devalerio, J. Extension Agent 1, Agricultural & Community Development, University Of Florida Food And Agricultural Sciences, Florida, 32091