Page 5 - Strategic Plan

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
The University of Florida (UF) is Florida’s premier public institu- tion of higher education, research, and public service. Its Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) makes major contri- butions to the University’s land grant mission through basic and applied research and extension programs in agriculture and nat- ural resources. Since its establishment in 1929, UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) has had a long and rich tradition of delivering excellent products and services in tropi- cal and subtropical agriculture and natural resources through its high-quality research, extension, and teaching programs.
We will continue to provide such excellent services, advancing strategically with unity of purpose from our current position of strength to achieve an even greater level of local, national, and international promi- nence. We are committed to finding solutions to the multifaceted issues that limit profitability and sustain- ability of south Florida’s agriculture and natural resources. Our outstanding faculty, staff and students are committed to developing and disseminating science-based information and providing new techniques and tools to local growers, homeowners, resource managers, policy makers, and other stakeholders.
This six-year strategy (2019-25) outlines our vision and mission, and the strategic directions and priorities we plan to pursue. It builds on the excellent work and successful models that we have developed over the years. Our current emphasis is to develop innovative, science-based applications to address existing and new challenges more effectively, and create more high-quality informational products. This approach calls for expanding and diversifying our financial resource base, expanding and developing new strategic partnerships internally within UF and externally, and fostering greater engagement with our stakeholders to ensure that we better understand and address their needs. This will ultimately improve the impact and relevance of our research. Additionally, a new model of leadership and management is being created at TREC to improve our Center’s efficiency, accountability, and transparency.
My sincere gratitude to all who have contributed in one way or another to the development of this Strate- gic Plan. We are committed to implementing it and strengthening our legacy of effective engagement and expertise in tropical and subtropical agriculture and natural resources research, extension, and teaching in the United States and beyond, with the ultimate goal of lifting our economies while enhancing stewardship of our natural and urban environments.
Edward “Gilly” Evans
Professor and Director
UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center
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