Page 12 - Strategic Plan

1.1 Introduction
The UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center (UF/IFAS/TREC), established in 1929 in Mi- ami-Dade County, is located along the southeast- ern coast of Florida, approximately thirty miles south of Miami. Geographically and climatically, south Florida is part of the Caribbean Region and Latin America. Due to its unique geographic loca- tion and climate, TREC offers the University of Flor- ida the opportunity to have an impact well beyond the continental United States.
TREC’s mission has been to develop and dissemi- nate science-based information on subtropical and tropical horticulture and natural resource manage- ment. By using multi- and trans-disciplinary ap- proaches in both basic and translational research, TREC has contributed to solving pressing problems locally, nationally, and internationally, and has cre- ated effective synergism with local, national, and international institutions. It is therefore widely rec- ognized, both locally and internationally, for its ex- cellence in basic and applied research, extension, and teaching in subtropical and tropical fruit and vegetable crops, ornamental plants, and natural resource science. TREC’s core values center on ex- cellence, diversity, accountability, and service to sustain and enhance the quality of human life and the natural environment.
TREC is at a turning point to chart a new course for the future. As such, TREC has formulated this strategic plan as the principal guide for future ac- tions. The Plan outlines TREC’s aspirations and direction for the period 2019–2025, with the in- tent of clearly identifying its strategic direction in a rapidly changing globalized environment faced with food security challenges, dwindling natural resources, extreme weather events and sea level rise associated with climate change, and devastat- ing pest and disease pressures. In addition to these challenges, consumers are becoming increasing- ly environmentally conscious, openly expressing concerns about the effects of biotechnology on the environment. The aim of the Plan is to chart strategies that will augment TREC’s role as a leader in the provision of new innovative scientific discov- eries and practices for the sustainability of tropical and subtropical agriculture and natural resource management.
The process to develop the strategic plan involved a series of steps that reflect intensive engagement and consultation with key persons within TREC and UF/IFAS, as well as major stakeholders, and care- ful review of reports and faculty recommendations with the purpose of charting TREC’s future course of action. In this regard, the strategic framework expresses a consensus on the needed goals, the shared values of our faculty and stakeholders, and guidelines to inform decision-making within TREC and UF/IFAS over the next six years.
1.2 Challenges and Opportunities
Agriculture is fundamental to food security, en- vironmental stewardship, and economic growth. Agricultural institutions that engage in research, teaching, and extension face both significant chal- lenges and opportunities due to rapid changes in agriculture, driven mostly by technological ad- vancements in food production systems, man- agement of natural resources, and the effects of climate change. The Food and Agriculture Orga- nization (FAO) of the United Nations has identified several trends and challenges that the agricultural sector faces in the 21st century, including the fact that by 2060, the world will need to double food production for a burgeoning global population on a planet facing rapidly diminishing arable land and water resources. Projected growth in global popu- lation is expected to reach about 10 billion people by 2060. Sustainable food security is important because we will have fewer resources to feed this population. We are losing on average 30 million acres of arable land each year due to desertifica- tion and urbanization. It is predicted that by 2025, 66% of the world population will be living in wa- ter-stressed areas affected by the deterioration of water resources. These agricultural challenges are exacerbated by the effects of climate change, weather variability, and increased threats from pests and diseases.
The implications discussed above are significant for tropical and subtropical regions, accounting for about 50% of the global arable land. As such, this region will have to play a greater role in secur- ing sustainable food production. Tropical and sub- tropical regions hold the greatest potential for in- creased productivity. The climate in these regions supports year-round food production, but also
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