The statewide UF/IFAS network of personnel across our enterprise on campus, at research and education sites and county Extension offices can be equated to a scientific rapid-response team, delivering relevant, factual guidance for community members. With the steadfast support of donors and community partners, UF/IFAS continues to serve Florida and beyond.
The UF/IFAS family is resilient—together we are addressing the novel challenges facing our communities with science-based research and information. Blogs.ifas.ufl.edu is filled with resources and stories of adaptation, innovation and service. Just a few of the highlights are described below.
UF/IFAS Extension and Research personnel across the state have rallied with producers, industry groups and FDACS to compile farm to consumer resources. Meanwhile, Extension personnel are also helping families plant their own victory gardens. And 4-H youth are putting their hands to larger service sewing masks for essential and at-risk members of their communities.
UF/IFAS researchers are adapting to safely maintain research programs and preserve years of current and future work. Critical projects continue to move forward, including citrus, endangered species and disease research.
The number of virtual programs and resources for community members is countless. Offerings encompass a broad range of topics, like natural resource programs from Florida Sea Grant, the Florida Master Naturalist Program and more. Florida 4-H Adventures is offering more than 45 virtual summer programs, with 1,200 youth registered to date.
UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences teaching faculty and students swiftly transitioned to a completely online learning environment by sharing resources and collaborating across the campus to maintain teaching excellence. The timing became expedient for the agricultural education and communication department to launch a new online graduate certificate in agriscience for K-12 teachers. In a time when connection has become vitally important, CALS continues to engage virtually with students, alumni and prospective CALS students.
Together, we go forward and we Go Greater.
Continued support for the IFAS mission helps fuel our work as Gators United across Florida and beyond. If you’d like to make a gift to support UF/IFAS, you can do so online to any mission area or department – the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension and UF/IFAS Research.
To discuss partnering financially with UF/IFAS, please contact UF/IFAS Advancement at advancement@ifas.ufl.edu.