Page 7 - Strategic Plan

lems related to tropical and subtropical horticul- ture (tropical fruit crops, vegetable crops and or- namental plants) and natural resources sciences through its basic and applied research, extension, and teaching programs. Florida’s unique geo- graphic and climate features together with our multidisciplinary approach to solving problems and synergizing with local, national, and inter- national institutions provides TREC with unique opportunities to have an impact well beyond the continental United States.
Institutions such as UF/IFAS/TREC that engage in research, teaching, and extension face many challenges and opportunities due to the changing face and increasing competitiveness of agricul- ture to develop innovative technologies in food production systems, ensure sustainability of nat- ural resources, address climate change effects, and combat increased pests and diseases. These challenges require, that TREC programs continue to thrive and expand through new investments in technology, innovation, and infrastructure; hiring additional faculty and support staff; supporting trans-disciplinary research, advancing science in critical areas such as remote sensing technol- ogies, data science, and agri-food systems. Also, we plan to increase current coordination and collaboration of efforts between and among in- stitutions in the public and private sector at the national, regional, and international levels and ini- tiate new collaborative efforts between TREC and these institutions
TREC’s Strategy
TREC is at a turning point to chart a new course for the future and has formulated this strategic plan as the principal guide for its future actions for the period 2019 to 2025. The Plan will enable TREC to become a pioneer in the provision of new innovative scientific discoveries and practices for the sustainability of tropical and subtropical agri- culture and natural resources while continuing to operate in an increasingly competitive research environment.
The Plan provides guidelines on how TREC will ad- dress the challenges faced by south Florida’s com- munities, taking into consideration a SWOT anal- ysis of the Center; its mission, vision and goals, and core values; clientele, products, and services.