Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Extension Office is pleased to announce the following Commercial Horticulture Programs, for February, 2011. These programs are offered by Aparna Gazula, Commercial Horticulture Agent. All of these programs are held at the Extension Office (2800 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville).

Worker Protection Standard – Train the Trainer Workshop February 17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Under FAWSA and WPS, agriculture employers must ensure that agricultural workers and pesticide handlers employed in the state of Florida receive protection from agricultural pesticides and information concerning pesticides. The Worker Protection Standard Train the Trainer (WPS TTT) Program promotes the development of a working population of knowledgeable WPS trainers of agricultural workers and pesticide handlers, in order to prevent and reduce pesticide exposure and related illness.

Cost to attend this class is $5.00. Pre-register by February 11, by calling 352-337-6209. For more information call 352-955-2402. A complete brochure with registration form can be found at: http://alachua.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar.shtml.

Alternative Enterprises for Small Farmers Workshop Series: Small Ruminants – Goat and Sheet Production and Forages February 17, 6 p.m.
Topics to include: Toxic Plants for goats & sheep. Pasture Management for the spring/summer as well as goat & sheep nutrition.

No cost to attend this class. Please pre-register by February 11, by calling 352-337-6209.

Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Workshop February 24, 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
License Information: The Limited Commercial Maintenance License is available only for Landscape Maintenance Contractors applying pesticides to their customers' properties. The Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance License Exam requires a passing grade of 75%. This certification must be renewed annually either by testing or with 4 CEUs. Each applicator must be licensed and may not supervise other applicators.

Registration fee is $30.00 per person (lunch included), but does not include IFAS Bookstore Study Manuals.  Pre-register by February 18, by calling 352-337-6209. Program flyer and registration form can be downloaded from:   http://alachua.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar.shtml

For more information contact Aparna Gazula, Commercial Horticulture Agent, 352-955-2402.

All Extension Programs and Services are open to all without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin or handicap.  For persons requiring special accommodations, please contact the Extension office at (352) 955-2402 (voice) or TDD/TYY (352) 955-2406 or at the Alachua County Extension Service, 2800 NE 39^th Avenue, Gainesville, FL  32609.  Please contact the Extension Office at least five working days prior to the program so that proper consideration may be given to the request.