Florida specialty crop growers and industry leaders should mark their calendars for the Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference, scheduled for May 8. The day-long event, hosted by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Food and Resource Economics Department, will address issues, research and policies that shape the state’s agriculture industry.
The event will be held at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida, though participants can attend in person or watch online.
Attendees will hear an overview of multiple topics expected to impact Florida agriculture in the upcoming year. This includes the farm bill and applications for artificial intelligence, said Suzanne Thornsbury, a UF/IFAS professor of food and resource economics and coordinator of the conference.
“Each carefully selected topic chosen may impact our attendees’ businesses, their clientele and the economy at large,” she said. “The information provided can inform decision-making as attendees navigate the year ahead.”
Speakers include state and federal leaders from the Florida Department of Commerce, the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research and the American Farm Bureau Federation, as well as UF/IFAS leaders and researchers.
“We’re proud to provide this opportunity for our community of agricultural producers, researchers and policymakers to come together and discuss the future of Florida’s food and resource industries,” said Lisa House, chair of the UF/IFAS food and resource economics department. “We look forward to this being our best conference yet.”
Event pricing ranges from $40 to $60. Registration is available online open through May 1. Media members may attend for free, and students may receive a discount by emailing Alena Poulin, marketing and communications specialist, at alenarene@ufl.edu.