What: UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County Expanding Agriculture: Workforce Program
When: Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: College of Central Florida, Wilton Simpson Campus, 3800 S. Lecanto Hwy., Lecanto, FL 34461
Who: Citrus County high school age students, UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County, educators, industry professionals, agricultural businesses, and workforce partners
Why: To connect students with hands-on experiences and introduce them to high-demand careers across the agricultural industry.
About:
When many students hear the word agriculture, they think of farming. The third annual Expanding Agriculture: Workforce Program aims to show Citrus County students that the industry also includes careers in areas such as drones, aquaculture, welding, animal science, business, natural resources and technology.
On Sept. 18, Citrus County high school students will gather at the College of Central Florida’s Wilton Simpson Campus for a day of hands-on activities, demonstrations and conversations with professionals working in agriculture and related industries. The event is hosted by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County, and in partnership with schools, businesses and other community organizations.
The program is designed to help students learn about education and career options available after high school while introducing them to an industry that affects nearly every aspect of daily life.
Students who attended the 2025 event said they left with a better understanding of career opportunities available to them.
“This program is amazing. I learned a lot today and found out a lot of things I didn’t know,” one student said.
Another student said, “Expanding Agriculture helped me a lot with getting a bit more information on colleges, universities and even different fields I have researched or didn’t know.”
The Citrus County School District will provide transportation for students attending the event, and media are encouraged to attend.
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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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