The UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) Centennial Celebration is set to be a day full of discovery, innovation and history. Join us as we honor 100 years of agricultural research and education — and look ahead to the future of farming in Florida.
Following the morning’s centennial program, groundbreaking ceremony for the new Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture and a networking lunch, guests will have the opportunity to experience GCREC’s research firsthand during afternoon field tours.
These tours will bring the celebration to life, offering an up-close look at cutting-edge projects and real-world innovations happening right here at GCREC. From the latest in strawberry and tomato breeding to alternative crops and AI-driven technologies, attendees can explore the full spectrum of agricultural advancements shaping the industry today.
Check out the different stops that will be featured:
Strawberry Program
Join the strawberry team—Vance, Seonghee, Johan, Natalia, and Sriyanka—for an in-depth look at the University of Florida’s strawberry research initiatives, past and present. The breeding team (Vance and Seonghee) will trace the evolution of strawberry varieties, from historical cultivars to the latest innovations. Two informative posters will highlight integrated research efforts spanning breeding, pathology, entomology, nematology, and flavor studies, including work by graduate student Mark Porter. A live demonstration by a UF graduate student will showcase cutting-edge image data collection using drones and AI-based tools. Natalia and Johan will present advancements in managing strawberry diseases and nematodes, while Sriyanka, Allan, and Chastity will discuss priority pests and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies tailored to Florida’s strawberry industry.
Vegetable Program
Explore the legacy and future of tomato breeding at the Vegetable Program stop, part of the Centennial Celebration Field Tour. UF/IFAS tomato breeders Jessica Chitwood-Brown and Anuj Sharma will present field trials and highlight recent progress in developing stakeless tomato varieties with enhanced quality traits. Learn how gene editing technologies are accelerating the delivery of improved cultivars to market. Collaborators Gary Vallad (plant pathology) and Hugh Smith (entomology) will share insights into their work supporting disease resistance and pest management. Smith will also emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration at GCREC in driving innovation and resilience in vegetable production.
Alternative Crops
Discover the future of Florida agriculture at the Alternative Crops Program stop, where researchers are pioneering new specialty crops for subtropical and tropical environments. Tour the research hopyard and see a hops harvester and LED supplemental lighting system that enables two harvests per year—an achievement unique to Florida’s climate. Learn about breeding breakthroughs in low-chill blackberry and raspberry cultivars, and explore how Florida’s soils and climate contribute to the distinctive “terroir” of locally grown hops. The tour also highlights progress in establishing artichoke as a viable winter crop and ongoing efforts to identify and manage pests and diseases affecting alternative crops. This stop exemplifies the multi-disciplinary teamwork at GCREC that supports crop diversification and enhances agricultural sustainability.
AI Research Program
Step into the future of agriculture at the AI Research Program stop, where cutting-edge technology meets real-world farming. Experience live demonstrations of intelligent sprayers, autonomous robots, high-tech drones, and precision application systems—all designed to make agriculture smarter, cleaner, and more efficient. Watch as robotics, sensors, and smart systems collaborate to solve challenges in crop production and turf management. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, intrigued by automation, or simply curious about the next wave of ag innovation, this stop offers a dynamic glimpse into the transformative power of agricultural technology.