2025 Emerging Farmers Symposium – September 4

The 2025 Emerging Farmers Symposium will take place on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the Florida A&M University Research and Educational Center, located at 4259 Bainbridge Highway in Quincy, Florida, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM EDT. This event is designed to support and educate farmers throughout the Florida Panhandle, with a focus on emerging and beginning agricultural enterprises.  Registration for this event is only $12.51 per person, and covers educational materials, refreshments and lunch.

Attendees will explore a range of topics including cost-share and lending programs, agritourism and marketing opportunities, and access to vendors and agricultural resources. The symposium also serves as a valuable networking platform, connecting farmers with innovative tools, alternative business models, and support systems to help them thrive in today’s evolving agricultural landscape.

Register online to reserve your seats:

Emerging Farmers Symposium Registration

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2025 Emerging Farmers Symposium Agenda  (All Times Eastern)

8:30 –8:45 Conference Registration

8:45 –9:00 Conference Kickoff: Vonda Richardson, FAMU Extension Director

9:00 –9:45 Keynote Speaker: Heirs Property: Carla Adams- Lippett, FAMU Cooperative Extension

9:45 –10:15 USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Loan Program:

10:15 –10:30 USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Cost-Share Programs: Naila McCraney, District Conservationist, USDA NRCS

10:30 –10:45 BREAK & Visit with Vendors

10:45 –11:00 FDACS Cost-Share Programs: Chris Denmark, FDACS Environmental Specialist III

11:00 –11:15 Farm to School Program: Vincent Moore, Sweet Magnolia Farms

11:15 – 12:00 Tour of Protected Ag/High Tunnel: Dr. Alex Bolques, FAMU Cooperative Extension

12:00 –1:00 Sponsored Lunch & Visit with Vendors

1:00 –1:30 Agritourism: Dr. Angel Forde, FAMU Cooperative Extension Agent, Tourism, Parks, and Recreation and Sarah Harris, Director of Florida Agritourism Association

1:30 –1:50 Small Ruminant Program: Dr. Angela McKenzie-Jakes, FAMU Animal Science Specialist

1:50 –2:10 Beginners Farmers and Ranchers Program Update: Dr. Gilbert Queeley, FAMU Cooperative Extension Agent

2:10 –2:45 FDACS Fresh from Florida Marketing Program: Gabrielle Ius, FDACS Fresh from Florida Marketing Program

2:45 –3:00 – Break & Visit with Vendors

3:00 –3:30 – Economic Support for Agriculture Small Businesses: T.J. Lewis, Gadsden County Economic Development

3:30 –4:00 Farm Bureau – Opportunities Available, Legislative Update, and Outlook: Shayn Baggett and Lance Watson, Florida Farm Bureau Federation

4:00 –4:30 Producer Panel Q & A– Robbie Jones

4:30 –5:00 Announcements & Wrap Up

Use the following link for the event flyer to print and post as a reminder for this event:  2025 Emerging Farmers Symposium Flyer

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For questions and more information about this event, contact:

Donna P Arnold, Small Farms & Residential Horticulture Agent
FAMU/UF/IFAS Extension Gadsden County
Phone: (850) 875 – 7255 Ext: 7256
Email: donna1.arnold@famu.edu or darnold1@ufl.edu