What: The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) will host its Landscape, Nursery, and Controlled Plant Production Field Day to provide visitors with an opportunity to explore research taking place.
Where: UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, 2725 S Binion Rd., Apopka, FL, 32703
When: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Cost: Free to attend, please visit the Eventbrite link to register.
Media contact: Chris Vivian, Associate Vice President, (727) 644-5791, cvivian@ufl.edu
About:
Community members, industry professionals and students are invited to join UF/IFAS experts and researchers at the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) for its Landscape, Nursery, and Controlled Plant Production Field Day.
Visitors will explore MREC’s research facilities and connect with scientists, faculty and Extension specialists through a day of tours, demonstrations and hands-on learning focused on landscape, nursery and controlled plant production.
“MREC is committed to supporting Florida’s stakeholders, including FNGLA members and the controlled-environment agriculture industry. We provide research-based solutions in plant production, pest management, community education and workforce development,” said Kirsten Pelz-Stelinski, professor and associate dean for UF/IFAS research. “We also offer plant diagnostic services to commercial growers and the public through our Master Gardener Volunteer Program.”
Guided tours, faculty demonstrations, Extension presentations and a student research showcase will highlight research in ornamental and landscape horticulture, controlled environment agriculture and space biology, while showcasing how MREC’s work is helping shape the future of plant production and agriculture.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet new faculty and Extension research support associates and learn about undergraduate degree programs in Plant Science and Geomatics.
“This is a great opportunity to meet our new faculty and Extension RSAs and hear about our undergraduate degree programs in Plant Science and Geomatics,” said Pelz-Stelinski.
Participants can ask questions, see facilities firsthand and explore student opportunities and career pathways connected to Florida’s green industries. They will leave with a better understanding of MREC’s research, education and outreach programs and their impact on growers, industry partners and communities across Florida.
The event is free to attend, but attendees and media wishing to cover the event are asked to visit the Eventbrite link to register.
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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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