*1.
I currently produce specialty crops, such as fruits and vegetables.
 Yes
 No
*2.
I am considering producing specialty crops, such as fruits and vegetables.
 Yes
 No
  3.
How many years have you been farming?

  4.
How many years have you farmed organically?

  5.
Florida county (or counties) where your farm(s) is located:

  6.
How many acres do you farm?

  7.
List the top five income-generating crops that you currently produce:

  8.
Describe what you feel are your biggest strengths successfully producing your crops.

  9.
Describe what you feel are your biggest challenges successfully producing your crops.

  10.
Is any portion of your farm operation currently certified organic?
 Yes
 No
  11.
Is any portion of your farm acreage currently under the required 3-year organic transition?
 Yes
 No
  12.
Have you or would you ever consider transitioning part of your farm to organic management?
 Yes
 No
 I've always farmed organically
  13.
If you answered "Yes" to Question 12 or if you have always farmed organically, put a mark next to the reason(s) why. Otherwise proceed to Question 14.
 to increase farm income
 to reduce production costs
 to protect the environment and encourage biodiversity
 to protect the health of those who live and work on my farm
 to produce safe and nutritious foods for the public
 to build soils by adding organic matter and encourage a thriving soil ecosystem
 to benefit from biodiversity, biological pest control and soil nutrient cycling
 to eliminate use of the most toxic pesticides which are of highest concern
 I expect demand for organics to continue to grow and want to access this market
other (describe):
  14.
If you answered "No" to Question 12, put a mark next to the reason(s) why you would not consider transitioning:
 yields in organic farming are too low
 managing pests, weeds and diseases organically is very difficult
 costs of organic production inputs are too high
 labor costs would be too high
 record keeping for organic certification is too burdensome
 the National Organic Program is a government program
 costs of organic certification are too high
 market prices for transitional crops are not better than for conventional
 lack of knowledge about how to farm organically
 I am satisfied with my current production system and market opportunities
other (describe):
  15.
Describe specific factors or circumstances which would cause you to consider transitioning part of your operation to organic production.

  16.
Put a mark next to the production practices you currently use. (Mark all that apply)
 soil fumigation
 herbicide applications
 crop rotations
 cover cropping
 green manure (cover crop plow-down)
 on-farm composting
 applying compost (including purchased compost)
 growing a diverse mix of crops at the same time
 intercropping
 selecting pest and disease resistant crop varieties
 planting or otherwise creating habitat for natural enemies of crop pests
 regular applications of insecticides and fungicides
 integrated pest management (IPM)
other (describe):
  17.
Which of the following do you feel are characteristic about organic production? (Mark all that apply)
 organic farming has higher input costs than traditional farming
 organic farming has higher labor costs than traditional farming
 organic farming is more risky than traditional farming
 Cooperative Extension is knowledgeable about organic production
 there is limited research about producing organic crops in Florida
 it is more challenging to successfully market organic crops than traditional crops
other (describe):
  18.
Which of the following do you feel are reasons why consumers buy organic foods? (Mark all that apply)
 concerned for their health
 concerned for the environment
 concerned for the health of farmers and farmworkers
 concerned about the health of future generations
 concerned about supporting local agriculture
 concerned about personal status as an organic consumer
other (describe):
  19.
List the types of markets that you utilize to sell your produce in order of economic importance, from most important to least important. (Examples of market types are: brokers/distributors; institutions (eg schools); large retailers; small retailers; restaurants; CSA; farm-stand; U-pick)


  20.
Indicate your use of the internet for marketing purposes:
 I use the internet to promote my farm
 I use the internet to sell my farm products
 I don't use the internet for marketing
Additional explanation:
  21.
Describe what you feel are your biggest strengths successfully marketing your products.

  22.
Describe what you feel are your biggest challenges successfully marketing your products.

  23.
What resources do you use for information about crop production and marketing?
 UF/IFAS Vegetable Production Handbook for Florida
 Florida Department of Agriculture (FDACS)
 Extension agents (including extension publications, workshops and field days)
 other farmers
 producer associations
 buyers (brokers, distributors, retailers)
 Internet (list specific online resources that you use):
other (describe):
  24.
How could the production and marketing resources that you use be improved and what additional resources could you benefit from?

  25.
If local, state, or federal regulations are limiting the success or viability of your farm operation specify which regulations and how they impact your operation.

  26.
What else would you like to bring to our attention regarding your production and marketing of specialty crops?

  27.
Please indicate your age group:
 18 - 25 years
 26 – 35 years
 36 – 45 years
 46 – 55 years
 56 years and over
  28.
What it is the highest level of education that you have completed?
 middle school
 high school
 associate degree
 undergraduate degree
 post graduate degree
  29.
Which of the following best describes your household’s total annual earnings?
 ≤ $10,000
 $10,001-$25,000
 $25,001-$50,000
 $50,001-$75,000
 $75,001-$100,000
 >$100,001

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