UF’s Citrus Research and Education Center to Celebrate 90th Anniversary

LAKE ALFRED, Fla. – The University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Science, Citrus Research and Education Center will celebrate its 90th anniversary Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 11 a.m.

Ninety years ago, the CREC was established after a group of Polk County citrus growers purchased land for a research station. Originally, only a few UF scientists were assigned to the Lake Alfred site, then called the Citrus Experiment Station. Today, the CREC employs 250 people and is also home to the scientific research staff of the Florida Department of Citrus. It is the largest facility in the world devoted to a single commodity, citrus.

Also on the agenda is the dedication of the new CREC Plant Pathology Building which houses four scientists who focus their work on the two biggest challenges facing the citrus industry today – citrus canker and citrus greening.

Set for rededication that day is the CREC’s conference center, the Ben Hill Griffin, Jr. Citrus Hall. The Citrus Hall has undergone extensive renovations over the past two years after substantial damage during the 2004 hurricanes. The building can accommodate up to 350 guests and was built with citrus industry donations.

The CREC is located at 700 Experiment Station Road in Lake Alfred.
For more information, please call Anita Whitaker, Public Relations Coordinator, at (863) 956-1151.

Editor’s Note: The media is invited to join us as for the event including a complimentary lunch. A press room will be available with Internet capabilities. Interview opportunities will be available, as well.

More details will follow including the list of guest speakers and other VIPs.