Jack Payne Ready For New Role
September 28, 2010 
Recently, Florida Grower had a chance to ask Payne some questions to not only learn more about him but also get his thoughts on the state of today’s and tomorrow’s Florida agriculture.
As you’ve gotten settled here in Florida, what do you see as major challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in the state?
Payne: “Even within this best of places, there is the worst of times. I have come to IFAS at a time when the necessity for additional funding is growing more rapidly than growth in traditional sources of funding and during the greatest fiscal drought the country has seen in several decades for institutions of higher education. I also have arrived at a time when the need for reliable information is more important than ever; when the worst environmental disaster in our country threatens our coastal ecosystems and economies; and when emerging pathogens — such as HLB, black spot, and laurel wilt — threaten our agricultural core. IFAS is committed to performing cutting-edge research to solve these and some of the world’s most devastating problems. And although these are tough times, IFAS will embrace and expand its vision of its responsibility to both local and global issues and make a commitment to direct its limited resources where they are most needed and will have the greatest impact. Additionally, IFAS will strive to remain a nimble organization with a structure that plans for eventualities and can withstand and respond to seismic changes. However, achieving results will be highly dependent on the continued commitment and active support of our supporters.”
How do you see agriculture changing in the next 5 to 10 years in Florida and nationally?
Payne: “Food production will need to increase. Norman Borlaug, before he died last year, said that we will need to grow more food in the next 50 years than we have grown in the past 1,500 years to meet the increase in world population. Many new research programs will create new food products and biofuels that contribute to Florida’s economy and the health of its residents.
“Growers will lead the way in developing resilient agricultural landscapes. Farmers and ranchers are in a unique position to help provide healthy soils, clean water, habitat for native wildlife, carbon sinks to help mitigate global warming, energy savings and renewable energy sources, and other conservation benefits.
“Food safety oversight and enforcement will be strengthened and federally controlled. Regional food system infrastructures will be rebuilt and increase access to healthy local foods. The U.S. is witnessing a regional food system renaissance, with more and more people clamoring to find healthy foods grown using sustainable methods by local farmers. There also will be more opportunities for new farmers. The future health and vitality of agriculture, the food system, and rural communities depend on the successful entry of farmers who want to pursue a sustainable farming livelihood.
“The effects of climate change in Florida may include retreating and eroding shorelines, dying coral reefs, salt water intrusion into the freshwater aquifer, increasing numbers of forest fires, and warmer air and sea surface temperatures. In coming years, these effects may become more common, and increasingly severe. IFAS scientists and Extension specialists will need to understand the impact on our agriculture and natural resources.”
What are UF/IFAS’ major initiatives and priorities?
According to Payne:
– Move Florida to energy independence. Programs for the future will focus on biofuel development, energy crops and second generation biotechnology related to energy.
– Help all agricultural and natural resources industries advance and be profitable. Specific priorities include new production systems, crop diversification through genetic improvement, mechanization/labor, and best management practice development.
– Develop science and education programs to better utilize, protect and conserve water supplies. Programs will focus on urban and agricultural best management practices. The development of drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation technologies are key areas.
– Contribute to economic development and provide science to shape policy development in Florida. The focus will be on the development of new industries including high value crops for agricultural producers. IFAS science will drive policy development related to growth and the environment.
– Help defend Florida from emerging pests and diseases. Programs will enhance homeland security for Florida, particularly as it relates to the threats of bioterrorism and agro-terrorism. IFAS will lead in training first responders and will establish a network throughout the Caribbean to detect pest and disease threats before they arrive.
– Bring high tech industry to Florida through new biotechnology and genetics initiatives for 21st Century competitiveness. Genetics programs will contribute to the quality and diversity of Florida’s agricultural, forestry and natural resources products. Furthermore, programs will create new food products and biofuels that contribute to Florida’s economy and the health of its residents.
– Focus on protecting and preserving Florida’s environment and natural resources. Programs developed to teach Florida Friendly Landscaping and integrated pest management will reduce the impacts of growth and development on both the rural and urban populations. IFAS is committed to economic development through increasing the value of ecotourism in Florida with efforts that include the re-establishment of specific wildlife species and habitat. Bioremediation to clean the environment will also be a major focus.
– Apply proven science developed for agricultural and natural resources to urban challenges and needs such as water and energy. Specific programs will include low impact development, energy and water conservation, and wind resistant housing.
– Enhance Florida’s competitiveness in the global economic environment. Programs will focus on giving Florida agriculture a competitive advantage internationally. Priority programs will focus on minimizing the potential effects of climate change. IFAS science and education programs will form the basis for opportunities for carbon sequestration credits.
– Human development programs will focus on economic stability for families and creating healthier children and families through nutrition education programs. Increasing emphasis will be placed on food safety programs. Youth development programs will engage young people in the science of agricultural and natural resources. Workforce development for agricultural and natural resources industries is a top priority for the future.
Subscribe Today For
