College of Central Florida Vintage Farm, Marion County
Vintage Farm is a working farm on the College of Central Florida’s campus and is home to commodities like bees, vegetables, blueberries, sod, agribusiness and equine. The working farm and instructional facility provide students and the community with a hands-on example of how agriculture and natural resource protection can go hand in hand. The farm is managed by three full-time faculty, seven adjunct instructors, a farm manager and a team of student interns.
Vintage Farm implements a variety of Best Management Practices to continuously educate the community, preserve natural resources and provide students a hands-on learning experience. Soil is routinely tested to match crop needs, minimize runoff, and protect groundwater. Fertilization practices include slow-release products and micro-dosing techniques that improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Rotational planting is used across vegetable and orchard blocks, with cover crops and perennial groundcovers like bahia grass helping to build soil organic matter, reduce erosion, and suppress weeds naturally. Drip Irrigation systems are utilized and regularly audited to maintain peak performance.
The farm has recently expanded its conservation initiatives. This expansion includes the development of pollinator habitat zones, campus-wide composting for plant residue, and the launch of a beekeeping project to enhance pollination.
The Vintage Farm Campus stands at the forefront of agricultural innovation in Central Florida. Through a combination of new technologies, traditional stewardship, and forward-thinking instruction, the farm is shaping the future of sustainable production and education.
