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The Center for Subtropical Agroforestry
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Agroforestry in the Virgin Islands The
Center for Subtropical Agroforestry
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Agroforestry Extension Program is Underway
In its second year of operation, CSTAF is taking the results of agroforestry research to extension specialists and landowners through educational materials, training for professionals and landowners, and demonstrations. The design of regionally specific extension materials and events is based on a needs assessment developed through surveys to professionals and landowners in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. (See related story on page 3). CSTAF also is obtaining feedback from people who attend agroforestry events. This feedback is used to improve the design and delivery of future extension materials. A list of possible participants in an agroforestry demonstration site network has been generated from surveys and extension contacts. CSTAF is working with interested landowners to plan site visits. Part of CSTAFs extension efforts focus on providing information and decreasing barriers for landowners to adopt agroforestry practices. This initiative will create support networks for those getting into agroforestry to ask questions and share experiences. CSTAF goals for agroforestry extension in Florida, Georgia and Alabama are to develop training materials and information programs; provide in-service training, and participate in conferences and field days; and develop a demonstration network to demonstrate successful agroforestry techniques in each climatic region or agricultural district of each state. The development of extension materials and events began last year. This year, extension efforts involve: training professionals who will be responsible for training peers; and, setting up a network of demonstrations that will allow farmers and landowners to see how others implement agroforestry practices. CSTAF has participated in the following training sessions this year, with more planned for the remainder of the year: Soil and Water Conservation Society, Florida Chapter Development Workshop March 1, 2002; St. Augustine Participants: 25 Silvopastoral Systems in North Florida Design, Implementation and Benefits April 17-18, 2002; Marianna Participants: 65 Small Farm Conference May 18, 2002; Marianna Participants: 93 Small Farm Conference and Trade Show 2002 June 8, 2002; Ocala Participants: 38 Forestry and Natural Resources Field Day June 11, 2002; Jay Participants: 150 Demonstration Network An agroforestry demonstration network is under development. Through the surveys, CSTAF has identified landowners practicing agroforestry who are willing to participate in a public network to show others their techniques. These landowners will play an important role in a farmer-to-farmer exchange that will show how agroforestry can be implemented. Field days can be held on the demonstration farms. A website will be setup to share information. The website will include information on farm practices and design, and a farm map. |
