Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Cooperative Extension Office is pleased to announce the following Commercial Horticulture Programs, for July, 2012. These programs are offered by Aparna Gazula, Commercial Horticulture Agent at the Extension Office (2800 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville).

Living on a Few Acres (12 part series) – Fruits and Nuts – July 19, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This session will provide information on production of high value alternative fruit and nut crops for local and niche markets.

This is a new program for 2012, and will be held on the third Thursday of each month. This monthly program is designed as an introduction to basic production techniques on a wide variety of topics from pasture management and livestock production to growing vegetables and alternative enterprises. The program is designed to provide information to individuals interested in beginning or improving a small scale agricultural operation.

Cost to attend is $10.00 for individuals and $15.00 for couples for entire series (notebook & materials provided).

Green Industries Best Management Practices – July 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  

This workshop is designed to provide training in Best Management Practices for anyone working in the lawn, landscape, pest control, or municipal grounds areas. This is a required training class for all commercial and institutional fertilizer applicators in Alachua County according to the Alachua County Fertilizer Standards and Management Practices Code.

A “Commercial Fertilizer Applicator” means any person who applies fertilizer on turf and/or landscape plants in Alachua County in exchange for money, goods, services or other valuable consideration.

An “Institutional Fertilizer Applicator” means any person, other than a non-commercial or commercial applicator (unless such definitions also apply under the circumstances), that applies fertilizer for the purpose of maintaining turf and/or landscape plants. Institutional applicators shall include, but shall not be limited to, owners and managers of public lands, schools, parks, religious institutions, utilities, industrial or business sites and any residential properties maintained in condominium and/or common ownership.

Best Management Practices are focused on reducing non-point source pollution resulting from fertilization or pesticide application.  In some areas, you need to be certified in the BMPs to be able to bid on jobs or have commercial customers.  It will be mandatory throughout the state in the near future.  Stay a step ahead of the new requirements.

·         Earn CEUs for pesticide license holders.  For CEUs, get form signed before you leave

·         (2) CORE, (2) Ornamental & Turf, Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance categories

Registration fee is $25.00 includes materials and lunch.

Please register at least three working days prior to these programs by calling 352-337-6209 (voicemail).

For more information about these programs call 352-955-2402. Visit the Extension Office calendar for additional programs offered by the Extension Office.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions, or affiliations.  IFAS is a cooperative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Cooperative Extension Service, the University of Florida, the Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners. 

Persons with disabilities needing special accommodations should contact the Extension Office at least 10 working days prior to the event so that special consideration can be given to the request.