By Jamie Martin
Florida farmers now have a powerful new tool for building strong business plans. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension has launched a bilingual website called Building Your Florida Farm Business Plan / Construyendo tu Plan de Negocios Agrícola de Florida.
This resource offers step by step guidance, practical tools, and expert advice for farmers at all stages of experience. It walks users through writing a clear business description, creating a marketing plan with nine specific steps, and setting up operations and human resource plans. Farmers also learn to prepare financial documents, including income statements, cash flow records, balance sheets, and break even analysis.
“Farming is more than growing crops or raising livestock—it’s running a business,” said Luis Rodriguez, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County agent and member of UF/IFAS CAFÉ Latino, “A solid business plan is a living roadmap that helps producers make informed decisions. And if farmers need local support, we can connect them with Extension agents across the state.”
Business plans are critical for loan applications. The USDA Farm Service Agency requires a detailed plan for direct and guaranteed loans as well as land contracts. Without it, applications will not be accepted.
The site also helps connect farmers to local Extension agents for individual guidance. By providing all information in English and Spanish, UF/IFAS ensures that farmers and ranchers from diverse backgrounds can access the support they need to expand, sustain, and improve their operations for long term success.
Photo Credit: pexels-fauxels
Categories: National