Agricultural Careers Fruit and Nut Producer By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Trisha Rae Stephens Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005 START

Job Duties & Responsibilities During the off season, farmers plan next season’s produce, fix machinery, attend conferences and update records. Determine what fruits to grow depending on the market, weather and size and location of the farm/orchard. Purchase and apply fertilizer and pesticides. Oversee the employing and training of workers. Plant, harvest, grade, and store crops. Arrange for the transportation, marketing, and sale of the crop. Till and cultivate land to prepare soil for planting. Maintain financial records. Collect soil samples to identify diseases and determine soil fertility. Plant, graft, transplant, and stake fruit trees and vines. Operate equipment, buildings, facilities, and an assortment of specialized pruning and spraying equipment. Prune and weed the orchard.

Qualities and Skills Not allergic to plants, pollens, fertilizers, and sprays Able to bend, stoop and lift In good physical condition Ability to work in all types of weather Outdoor and indoor work is needed Good business and personnel management skills Organized, self-motivated, patient and practical

Salary Incomes of fruit and nut producers vary greatly from year to year because prices of their products fluctuate depending upon weather conditions and other factors that influence the quantity and quality of crop output and the demand for those products. A farm that shows a large profit in one year may show a loss in the following year. Producers, however, may receive government subsidies or other payments that supplement their incomes and reduce some of the risk of farming. Many farmers—primarily operators of small farms—have income from off-farm business activities or careers, often greater than that of their farm income.

Work Environment Majority of time is spent working outdoors Work is done in all weather conditions Hours are irregular and may be longer during peak seasons Hazardous chemicals and machinery are part of the everyday job

Becoming a Fruit and Nut Producer High school training should include courses in mathematics and in biology and other life sciences. Work a summer or part time job on an orchard or other fruit producing farm. Participate in programs and competitions offered by 4-H and the National FFA Organization. Take as many agriculture classes as possible, especially those related to production agriculture.

Career Resources United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association 1901 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 1100 Washington, DC Internet: American Crop Protection Association th Street, NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC Internet: Produce Marketing Association 1500 Casho Mill Road Newark, DE Internet: Northern Nut Growers Association PO Box Oak Hill School Rd.Townsend, DE Internet: