Edwin Gutierrez grew up in rural Colombia, immersed in agricultural communities, where farming is a fundamental part of life.
He was raised in the Llanos Orientales region — a plain known for its livestock, citrus and other agricultural production, including rice and palm oil.
“The landscapes and close-knit communities helped me appreciate agriculture and its challenges,” said Gutierrez, the new citrus Extension agent for Manatee, DeSoto and Hardee counties. “Raised in a farming family, my passion for agriculture is rooted in the growing and research practices that have shaped my journey and contributed to my current position.”
Gutierrez, who started his new job in July, believes in the future of Florida citrus.
“The citrus industry in Manatee, Hardee, and DeSoto counties faces significant challenges, particularly due to citrus greening (also known as huanglongbing, or HLB), which has reduced yields and increased production costs throughout Florida,” he said. “Recent data indicate that Florida’s citrus industry continues to struggle with ongoing disease pressure and environmental stressors, such as hurricanes. For example, Hurricane Milton resulted in millions of dollars in agricultural losses.”
“Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic about the resilience of local growers and the potential for innovation,” Gutierrez said. “Through my experiences, I have learned the importance of applied research and collaborating as a team to share information effectively. My goal is to foster a culture of teaching and learning.”
Because citrus production is so dynamic, his current priorities are:
- To strengthen relationships with growers, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) team, and to collaborate with partners such as the Citrus Research and Education Center, along with various local, national and international organizations.
- To address HLB, he plans to collaborate with the UF/IFAS team and partners in implementing research-based strategies that help growers mitigate the disease. Encouraging farmers to cultivate more HLB-tolerant cultivars and enhancing their nutrition practices, for example.
- On the education side, to enhance grower education. As a citrus Extension agent, I provide resources to share the latest advancements and best practices in citrus production.
A little background
Gutierrez earned his bachelor’s degree in agronomy from the University of Llanos in Colombia. He then earned his master’s degree in horticulture at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. Then he obtained his Ph.D. in Agronomy from São Paulo State University.
After college, Gutierrez worked for more than 15 years in research, Extension and industry positions in agriculture.
He then worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead from 2022 to 2025.
The future
“I was particularly attracted to the opportunity to work with citrus growers in DeSoto, Hardee and Manatee Counties, alongside UF/IFAS’ world-class research network,” Gutierrez said. “I believe my expertise in horticulture and sustainable agriculture can make a significant impact on the citrus industry in the region, helping growers to thrive, despite challenges.”
Like all citrus agents, Gutierrez has access to the latest research from UF/IFAS regarding HLB-tolerant varieties, soil health, pest-control methods and water management to integrate into better and sustainable solutions.
“This allows me to provide fresh and relevant information to the growers,” he said. “I am excited to serve the citrus growers of DeSoto, Hardee and Manatee Counties and to build lasting partnerships within the community. My goal is to empower growers by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support they may require.”
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ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) 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 brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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