‘Come home’ to UF-UF/IFAS Agriculture and Gardening Day, Oct. 15

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From the University of Florida/IFAS
By: Brad Buck

uf-ag-gardening-day-2016GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Agriculture and natural resources interests are invited to come home to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and see some informative exhibits during Agriculture and Gardening Day Oct. 15, outside The Swamp.

“Come home” because it’s homecoming weekend at UF, and the Gators are playing the Missouri Tigers. People affiliated with agriculture and natural resources have bought discounted tickets to the football game.

Before kickoff, those parties can view a display from UF/IFAS, which will feature information about the organization’s three arms: education, research and Extension.

There will also be displays from the UF/IFAS entomology and nematology department, said Ruth Borger, UF/IFAS assistant vice president for communications. Those exhibits include a bug zoo at which you can pet a roach, if that tickles your fancy. The department also will bring microscopes so you can view nematodes.

The displays will be in Alligator Alley under the stands on the west side of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Officials see Agriculture and Gardening Day as a great partnership between UF Athletics and UF/IFAS, which showcases the state’s second-largest industry.

“Florida’s agricultural, natural resources and related food industries add $140 billion to our economy and employ nearly 300,000 people,” said Jack Payne, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources. “The industry is second only to tourism in Florida, and this is a great way to honor and recognize those who work so hard to put food on our tables and plants and flowers in our yards.”

In addition to discounted tickets, various family activities will be in place on campus near the stadium on Saturday before kickoff. This is a chance for many UF alumni and supporters of agriculture to gather in Gainesville, renew friendships and reconnect with industry and community friends.

While extending into every community of the state, UF/IFAS has developed an international reputation for its accomplishments in teaching, research and Extension. Because of this mission and the diversity of Florida’s climate and agricultural commodities, IFAS has facilities located throughout Florida. There are Extension offices in each of Florida’s 67 counties, in addition to 12 Research and Education Centers, six demonstration sites or field stations, and three 4-H camps.