On Thursday, January 18, 2019, Ms. Peggy Machin, current treasurer of the local chapter of the Miami-Dade FNGLA, presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to Dr. Edward “Gilly” Evans, Director of the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC), at the recently held Tropical Plant International Expo, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Speaking on behalf of the president of the local FNGLA, she said the Association is extremely pleased with the level of support they receive from TREC and the effort being made by Dr. Evans to strengthen the relationship between the two organizations. She underscored the fact that the MDC ornamental and nursery industry is the largest in Florida, and contributes approximately 70% of the value of the County’s agricultural revenue. She noted that the industry is facing several biotic and abiotic challenges. On average, a new pest or disease arrives in the County every month. The funds will contribute to an Endowment to help fund research carried out by the Center. In response, Dr. Evans thanked the FNGLA for their contribution and reaffirmed the commitment of the Center to work with FNGLA in addressing some of the pressing challenges faced by the industry.

Thank you Miami-Dade FNGLA!

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