Last Updated on August 8, 2024 by Stella Canfield
The Growing Together Symposium made a memorable return on Aug. 1 for its second annual event, bringing together over 45 Central Florida farmers, growers and industry professionals at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC). The event was created to connect agricultural community members with vital resources to support and enhance their operations.
“The Growing Together Symposium is an invaluable opportunity for connecting our local agricultural community with experts and resources,” says regional specialized agent Yilin Zhuang who helped coordinate the event. “It’s a chance to provide practical insights that drive innovation and make a difference in local producers’ operations. This symposium allows us to truly connect with the population we’re serving.”
After a warm welcome and overview from professor and center director Kirsten Pelz-Stelinski, attendees were immersed in a series of informative sessions providing a comprehensive overview of essential agricultural resources, including cost shares, grants, loan and insurance options. Led by UF/IFAS experts and representatives from allied agencies, attendees explored key issues such as the possibility of a new Farm Bill passing, the Florida Greenbelt Law, pesticide licenses and other various permitting and regulatory concerns.
During lunch, attendees had the opportunity to engage with allied agencies at their booths and participate in an open share fair. Following the break, afternoon sessions featured presentations from the Farm Service Agency, Farm Credit and Farm Bureau.
The symposium concluded with a tour of MREC, where participants visited various interactive stations held by UF/IFAS faculty and Extension agents. Stations included drone demonstrations in agriculture by Lake County Extension agent Matt Smith, a tour of MREC’s plant clinic with regional specialized agent Liz Felter, insights into soil moisture sensors with Yilin Zhuang, yacon production with plant physiology professor Jianjun Chen and an overview of the central Florida agricultural community’s needs with Seminole County Extension agent Morgan Pinkerton.
Other UF/IFAS experts who spoke at the symposium include:
- Willaim Messina, research and development manager from the Food and Resource Economics department,
- Catherine Campbell, professor and Extension specialist from the Department of Family, Youth and Community Services, and
- Brett Bultemieir, Extension assistant professor from the Pesticide Information Office.
- Rick Lusher, project manager of the Florida Automated Weather Network.
Representatives from the following allied agencies were also present:
- Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services,
- Johns River Water Management District,
- Southwest Florida Water Management District, and
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The Growing Together Symposium returns in summer 2025.
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