Vegetarian, 05-05 - May 2005

Fruit Crops for North Florida Demonstration Expansion at North Florida Research and Education Center - Suwannee Valley
Bob Hochmuth, North Florida REC - Suwannee Valley

North Florida Research and Education Center - Suwannee Valley at Live Oak is known for its work with specialty crops as alternatives for small farms. Demonstrations for these alternative crops at Live Oak are implemented to provide educational opportunities first hand for existing growers and prospective growers alike. Demonstration projects are available for specialty vegetables, herbs, cut flowers, hydroponics, forestry, and fruits and nuts. An expansion and renovation of the tree fruit and nut crop area has been underway at the Center over the past year. The objective of this expansion is to improve the ability to provide information about fruits and nuts as potential alternative enterprises in North Florida . Interested growers and extension agents are welcome to arrange visits to the Center, in addition to attending field days. These projects are currently conducted under the combined leadership of UF/IFAS faculty Jeff Williamson, Pete Andersen, and Jim Ferguson (not to forget the early work of retired Tim Crocker).

The fruit and nut crops demonstration orchard/vineyard includes nearly a dozen crops. Most demonstrations are designed to demonstrate several varieties of that crop. Here is a list of the crops and varieties.