FAMU Brooksville Agricultural and Environmental Research Station

08/26/2026

FAMU College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, FAMU Research and Extension Center and BAERS are exploring the potential of CharBoss biochar technology—a mobile system that converts woody biomass and forest debris into valuable biochar. For BAERS, this could open exciting opportunities to turn tree trimmings and other woody residues into a resource for soil health, carbon management, research, farmer education, and climate-smart agriculture. It could also provide a hands-on demonstration platform where our researchers, students, farmers, land managers, and community partners can see the entire process—from biomass to biochar to potential agricultural applications. This is the kind of technology that fits the BAERS vision: connecting research, sustainability, innovation, and practical solutions for Florida agriculture and natural-resource management.

Come grow with us at BAERS!

08/24/2026

BAERS was proud to participate in the 2026 FAMU Grape Harvest Festival in Tallahassee! It was a great opportunity to connect with the community, share the work happening at BAERS, and celebrate FAMU’s commitment to agricultural research, Extension, education, and innovation. From the vineyard activities and exhibits to conversations with families, students, farmers, and colleagues, the festival showcased the many ways agriculture brings people together. Thank you to the FAMU Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research and everyone who made this year’s festival a success. BAERS was proud to be part of it!

08/20/2026

It was a pleasure hosting Dr. Doug Steele of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) at FAMU’s Brooksville Agricultural and Environmental Research Station (BAERS) today. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the breadth of work happening across our 3,800-acre station, from emerging crop research, specialty crop development, livestock and pasture systems, and renewable energy to youth development, small-farm support, and community engagement. More importantly, our conversation highlighted the essential role that land-grant universities play in connecting research, Extension, education, and community impact. We appreciate Dr. Steele taking the time to visit BAERS, meet our team, and learn more about how FAMU is advancing its land-grant mission in Central Florida.

08/05/2026

What can you expect at the FAMU Grape Harvest Festival? Get ready for a day filled with fun, learning, and plenty of grapes! Visitors can tour the vineyard, pick fresh muscadine grapes, enjoy food and local vendors, explore educational exhibits, and learn about the exciting research taking place at FAMU’s Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research. A festival favorite is the lively grape-stomping competition, where teams race to produce the most grape juice while families cheer them on.

Be sure to stop by the BAERS exhibit to meet our team and learn more about our research, education, Extension, and community-engagement programs.

Saturday, August 22, 2026
FAMU Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research, Tallahassee

Come for the grapes, stay for the fun, and discover how FAMU is advancing agricultural research and innovation!

At the annual festival to celebrate local Muscadine grape, everyone looks forward to grape stomping.

08/05/2026

A timely reminder to prepare now, build or update your disaster supply kit before the next storm threatens.

🌀 Disaster Supply Kit Essentials 🧰
Tropical Storm Bertha was our test run. Now is the time to prepare for the next storm.
⏳ We're in the heart of hurricane season, and every household should have a disaster supply kit with enough essentials to last at least 3 days—7–10 days is even better.
💧 Stock up on:
✅ Water
✅ Non-perishable food
✅ Medications
✅ First aid supplies
✅ Flashlights & batteries
✅ Battery-powered radio
✅ Important documents
✅ Pet supplies
…and other household essentials.
💡 Did you know? Florida now offers year-round sales tax exemptions on many hurricane preparedness supplies. In 2025, state lawmakers replaced the temporary hurricane tax holidays by making many qualifying emergency preparedness items tax-free all year.
Don't wait until a storm is in the forecast—stock your shelves now with disaster supply essentials.
Be Prepared. Stay Informed. Stay Safe.

08/05/2026

This 2018 article, “The Place of Found Lost Things” by Osayi Endolyn, offers a thoughtful and candid reflection on the history, potential, and early development of the Brooksville Agricultural and Environmental Research Station following its transfer to Florida A&M University.

The article explores the land’s complex history, the experiences of Black farmers, and the hopes surrounding FAMU’s stewardship of BAERS. While much has changed and significant progress has occurred since the article was written, it provides important historical context and reminds us of the responsibility and opportunity associated with these 3,800 acres.

At BAERS, we remain committed to advancing agricultural research, education, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and opportunities for farmers throughout Florida.

07/24/2026

BAERS will be exhibiting at this exciting community event, and we invite you to stop by our display to learn more about our research, educational programs, and community outreach.

📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026
⏰ 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
📍 FAMU Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research, 6361 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308

Enjoy grape tastings, guided vineyard rides, exhibits, interactive demonstrations, competitions, the U-Pick Grape Experience, grape stomping, and much more!

Parking will be available at the Antique Car Museum, 6800 Mahan Drive, with complimentary shuttles running every 10–15 minutes.

Come celebrate agriculture, research, and community—and be sure to visit the BAERS exhibit!

07/08/2026

BAERS was proud to participate in the 2nd Annual Conference on Environmental Hazards, held July 8–10, 2026, in Tampa, Florida. Our Executive Director joined Dr. Oghenekome Onokpise and Mr. Abdul Merida, President of the Black Farmers & Agriculturalists Association and Ammerida Coffee, for the panel discussion, "Black Farmers & Agriculturalism, Land Use & Resources." Together, we explored the critical role of agriculture, responsible land stewardship, and environmental justice in building healthier, more resilient communities across Florida. We are honored to contribute to this important conversation and value the opportunity to connect with community leaders, researchers, farmers, and advocates who are working together to create a more sustainable and equitable future.