GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Children from across Florida will get a chance to learn about one of the major Florida agriculture industries at the second annual Citrus Youth Day. They might even get so inspired that they attend the University of Florida and pursue a career in agriculture, organizers say.
Some 66 youth are scheduled to attend the event June 28 at the University of Florida Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, Florida, part of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
“Youth are the future of the agriculture industry,” said Jamie Burrow, program manager for UF/IFAS Extension at CREC. “This program is designed for them to learn about the science and research portions of agriculture.”
“Everyone learns differently, whether it be audio or visual, or a combination,” Burrow said. “The interaction in youth day will allow children to learn something new, whether it is by listening to a speaker or conducting an experiment themselves.”
Participants include members of Florida 4-H, Future Farmers of America and the general public, Burrow said.
As UF/IFAS Extension faculty teach participants, they hope to convey the potential of careers in agriculture, Burrow said. Such careers include working for food or seed companies, science careers and farm management.
The day will begin with a session that will include a general citrus presentation and a presentation from the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences about enrolling at UF.
Participants will then be divided into four groups and will rotate through each of the stations: plant pathology, entomology, horticulture and food science. Each station will include an interactive activity. Within those stations, students will learn many scientific concepts, such as how water moves through plants, Burrow said.
Those teaching at each station are as excited as the youth about the day’s activities, she said.
“For the faculty, it gives them an opportunity to show what they do and get participants excited about science,” Burrow said.
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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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