Agritechnology and Horticulture Science and Services Overview
As one of the longest-running agriculture education programs in the county, South Dade’s Horticultural Operations magnet has a rich tradition of producing many of our area’s future agriculture industry leaders since 1953. A direct reflection of the Homestead community, students in the SDHS program learn and apply biology, botany, entomology, biotechnology, engineering, chemistry, integrated pest management, and business principles in a real-world environment. In the program, students produce their own vegetable and nursery crops from “the ground up” in the school’s 9-acre land lab and then market them to areas throughout the state and national level. This experience will equip them with key skills to enter a $ 2.5 billion industry vital to our state’s economy. Research and internships are also available through partnerships with the University of Florida’s TREC facility, located in the heart of the Homestead farming area.
Upon completion of the program, students will also be eligible to sit for the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) Certified Horticulture Professional Test. All in all, the goal of each student is to develop a well-rounded skill set that allows them to thrive and succeed in an ever-changing world as they pursue a career or continue their education at a college, university, or vocational school.
Industry Certifications that Students can earn
FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP)
At South Dade Senior High, our Agriculture Magnet students have the opportunity to earn the FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP) certification — an industry-recognized credential that opens doors to college and career success. This certification validates students’ knowledge in plant science, landscape management, and environmental stewardship, preparing them for rewarding careers in Florida’s horticulture industry.
What is the FCHP Certification?
The FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP) program is the industry’s gold standard for measuring horticulture knowledge — covering everything from plant and pest identification to landscape management. It is designed for individuals already working in horticulture or for students preparing to enter the field.
Who It’s For?
The certification is ideal for:
- Nursery, greenhouse, and landscape professionals
- Retail garden center employees
- State, county, and municipal government workers
- High school students exploring horticulture careers
Why It Matters
- Industry Recognition: Accepted statewide and recognized as equivalent to the Florida-Friendly™ Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) program.
- Professional Advantage: FCHP-certified individuals can request the GI-BMP certificate, which is required by law to apply fertilizer commercially.
- Career Ready: No prior training or experience is required—just a passion for plants and learning.
Education Benefits
- Included on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List for Florida high schools
- College Credit Opportunities:
- Earn 6 college credits toward A.S. or A.A.S. degrees at Florida colleges
- Earn 3 college credits at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Georgia
Certification Details
- Valid for 3 years
- Requires 15 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to renew
Agritechnology Specialist Certification
At South Dade Senior High, our Agriculture Magnet students have the opportunity to earn the Agritechnology Certification, a state-recognized credential that measures essential agricultural knowledge and hands-on skills. This certification helps students demonstrate their readiness for employment, college programs, and leadership roles in the agricultural industry.
What is the Agritechnology Certification?
The Agritechnology Certification, developed by Agriculture Education Services and Technology (AEST), is an online, proctored exam designed to assess entry-level knowledge and skills for careers in agriculture. The test includes 100 multiple-choice questions, a two-hour time limit, and a passing score of 60% or higher. Topics cover a broad range of agricultural principles, from plant and animal science to environmental resource management and agricultural mechanics.
Exam Details
- Format: Online, multiple-choice exam with 100 questions
- Time Limit: Two hours, completed in one session
- Proctoring: Administered online under an approved AEST proctor
- Passing Score: 60% or higher
Topics Covered
- Environmental resource conservation and management
- Plant growth and reproduction
- Animal systems and livestock management
- Mechanics and business principles
- Applications to agriculture, food, and natural resource systems
Why It Matters
- Demonstrates Competency: Validates that students have the baseline knowledge and technical skills needed for entry-level agricultural positions.
- Enhances Job Prospects: Recognized by employers as a trusted indicator of industry readiness, helping students stand out in the job market.
- Validates Education: Reinforces the learning outcomes of our Agriculture Magnet program, confirming that students are prepared for both higher education and workforce opportunities.
Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) affiliated with Agrscience Programs
Future Farmers of America (FFA)
At South Dade Senior High, our Agriculture Magnet students proudly participate in Future Farmers of America (FFA), a nationally recognized youth leadership organization that connects classroom learning to real-world agricultural experiences. Through FFA, students develop leadership, personal growth, and career skills while representing South Dade in local, state, and national events. Our chapter is a cornerstone of the Agriculture Magnet, giving students the opportunity to cultivate responsibility, teamwork, and pride in Florida’s rich agricultural heritage.
Overview and History
The Future Farmers of America (FFA) was founded in 1928 in Kansas City, Missouri, by young farmers seeking to prepare future generations for success in agriculture. Over the decades, FFA has evolved alongside the agricultural industry, expanding from traditional farming to include agricultural science, business, technology, natural resources, and biotechnology.
Today, FFA is known simply as FFA, reflecting its modern, inclusive approach to agricultural education. It is one of the largest student-led organizations in the nation, with more than 945,000 members and 9,000 chapters across the United States. Its mission remains the same: to prepare members for leadership and career success through agricultural education.
Importance and Impact
FFA plays a vital role in developing tomorrow’s leaders. Members gain hands-on experience in leadership, science, and service while learning the importance of agriculture in local and global communities. Students benefit by:
- Building Leadership Skills through officer roles, chapter meetings, and community engagement
- Gaining Career Readiness through Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) and certifications
- Developing Public Speaking and Communication Skills through competitions and presentations
- Serving the Community with initiatives that promote sustainability, environmental awareness, and civic pride
At South Dade Senior High, FFA students represent the school and community at numerous events, from agriscience fairs and local markets to statewide conferences. Their involvement strengthens academic learning while fostering civic engagement and pride in the agricultural profession.
Competitions and Opportunities
FFA offers an array of Career Development Events (CDEs) and Leadership Development Events (LDEs) that challenge students to demonstrate their technical expertise and leadership abilities. South Dade students have excelled in:
- Parliamentary Procedure – showcasing teamwork and professional communication
- Floriculture and Nursery Operations – applying knowledge in plant science and design
- Agricultural Communications and Sales – demonstrating marketing and business strategies
- Livestock Judging and Veterinary Science – using science-based decision-making
- Agriscience Fair and Agribusiness Events – connecting research and entrepreneurship
These competitions allow students to advance through district, state, and national levels, earning recognition, scholarships, and valuable career experience.
A Tradition of Excellence
At South Dade Senior High, FFA is more than an organization—it’s a legacy of leadership, learning, and service. Through active participation, students develop confidence, professionalism, and a lifelong appreciation for agriculture. Our Buccaneers continue to uphold FFA’s mission: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, and Living to Serve.
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