The
University of Florida
(UF), founded in
1853 as a land grant
university, is the
nation's fourth
largest institution
of higher education,
enrolling about
50,000 students
annually. UF, ranked
13th in U.S. News
and World Report's
"2006 Top Public
Universities", is
home to 16 colleges
and more than 150
research institutions.
In addition to the University's main campus in Gainesville, degree
programs and courses are offered at its 13 Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Research and Education Centers situated
throughout the state. IFAS specializes in agricultural research,
extension and education.
The
University's Indian
River Research and
Education Center
(IRREC), located
in Fort Pierce,
Florida, began in
1947 with only one
scientist and a
small laboratory.
Today, through its
more than 20 scientists
and researchers,
IRREC is known domestically
and internationally
for its cutting-edge
research and high-quality
educational programs.
At IRREC, students who hold an Associate in Arts degree may pursue
a Bachelor's degree in either Agribusiness Management or Environmental
Management. Master's degree programs include Agricultural Education
and Communication, Entomology, Environmental Horticulture, and Environmental
Science. Additionally, the Center offers a non-degree professional
certificate in Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Education and
Communication, and Entomology.
IRREC
provides regional
leadership to agriculturalists
through its research
and extension programs,
including biological,
chemical and cultural
pest management;
entomology; virology;
plant pathology
for citrus, ornamental
and vegetable crops;
and control of invasive
plants. Specific
research areas include:
water and nutrient
management for citrus
and flatwoods soils;
epidemiology and
control of citrus
leaf and fruit diseases;
evaluation of citrus
and vegetable cultivars
in Florida; utilization
of soil amendments;
and the micro-irrigation
of horticultural
crops in humid regions.
The Center also
takes a leadership
role in citrus,
vegetable and water
management on Florida's
east coast as well
as in the economic
production of agricultural
products, the post-harvest
handling and packing
of agricultural
products and the
biological control
of invasive plants
and aquaculture.
For more information about the University of Florida and the Institute
of Food and Agricultural Sciences in Gainesville, visit our website
at www.ufl.edu.
To learn more about IRREC in Fort Pierce, contact the Coordinator
of Academic Support Services at 772-468-3922, extension 126 or visit
the website at www.irrec.ifas.ufl.edu.
