The UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) is fast approaching a very special anniversary.

The Center has been providing citrus industry research and education to the Florida Citrus Industry for 100 years. 100 years is truly a long time. As I think about all that occurs in 365 days – one year, I cannot imagine one hundred. The Center will soon hold a 100th anniversary celebration.

A personal recollection.

The Hurner family has been a part of the Florida citrus industry for 5 generations. When you research a generation you get different definitions of what that means. On average, a generation is born and within 20 to 25 years that generation gives birth to the next generation. We have been growing oranges about 100 years as well. I know just from my family history, that without education and research-based advances we certainly would not have made it this long.

Many researchers, extension agents, post docs and students have made their way through the doors at CREC. I remember one of the first times my dad took me there. Ben Hill Griffin’s name was on the wall and I was in awe of how important and smart the entire building felt. I attended a grower meeting with him about nematodes and Florida citrus groves. Now, nematodes are still a problem today but we have made many advances since my first citrus grower meeting and growers have some tools in their toolbox to prevent and deal with nematode populations.

What’s going on today.

Dr. Michael Rogers is the center director. The faculty are churning out reports on new findings in regards to citrus greening and other related topics and issues. In as much as, there are no SILVER BULLETS for Citrus Greening yet, they are putting together more pieces to the puzzle every day. I salute the men and women who frequent the halls of such an amazing place and continue to work tirelessly trying to bring us answers to the citrus industry’s biggest issues.

For more information about the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center please click here: http://www.crec.ifas.ufl.edu/

To Register to attend the 100th Anniversary Celebration click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ufifas-crec-100th-anniversary-celebration-registration-36956748630

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