Who: Agricultural industry leaders are set to speak on the state of the industry at the annual Florida Ag Expo on Nov. 8. Speakers include:

• Jack Payne, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources.
• Mike Stuart, president of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association.
• Reggie Brown, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange.
• Dudley Calfee, president of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association.
• Kenneth Parker, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association.

What:

There will be a panel discussion about the state of the Florida agriculture industry, particularly as it relates to blueberries, strawberries and tomatoes. Scientists at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center focus their research on these and other crops. Some discussion will focus on how Hurricane Irma affected these sectors of the agriculture industry, and how everyone can help improve the outlook for the industry.

The conference also features exhibitors in the areas of alternative crops and disease control as well as farm automation.

When:

8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8. Panel discussion will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Where: UF/IFAS Gulf Coast REC, 14625 County Road 672, Balm, Florida.

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By: Brad Buck, 352-294-3303, bradbuck@ufl.edu

The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS web site at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media at @UF_IFAS.

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