WHAT: University of Florida administrators, faculty, fruit and vegetable growers and dignitaries will break ground on the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture on November 7 at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.
The groundbreaking is part of a day-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of the center.
While the groundbreaking is at 12 noon, guests will start speaking about the AI center at 10:30 a.m. Among the guests expected to speak are:
- Scott Angle, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
- UF Interim Provost Joe Glover.
- State Rep. Lawrence McClure.
- U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack.
With significant investment from the legislature, UF/IFAS is breaking ground on a 40,000 square-foot AI hub with a goal of speeding agricultural innovation.
UF/IFAS administrators predict benefits from the AI center will include direct industry support, new jobs, resources for ag-tech start-up firms and training programs for those who want to work in AI to help agriculture.
The day’s activities will start at 9 a.m., when center director Jack Rechcigl and representatives from the tomato and strawberry industries will celebrate the center’s centennial. Activities in the center’s auditorium will include a video showing highlights and achievements from GCREC’s first century.
Starting at 1:30 p.m., you’ll get more photo opportunities. Tours take you to see scientists as they show you the following:
- Strawberries.
- Tomatoes.
- Alternative crops, including hops, artichokes and blackberries.
- The AI research program.
WHERE: The Gulf Coast Research and Education Center; 1462 County Road 672, Wimauma.
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CONTACT: For more information and interviews, please contact Brad Buck at bradbuck@ufl.edu or 656-347-8422.
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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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