Southwest Florida Research And Education Center Embracing New Expansion
May 20, 2015 The University of Florida’s Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC) in Immokalee is set to break ground on a 7,000-square-foot expansion.
Photo courtesy of UF/IFAS
The center serves growers, farmers, and other clients in Collier, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties. SWFREC faculty members study in seven disciplines: agricultural economics, citrus horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, soil and water science, vegetable horticulture, and water resources. The current structure stands at 21,000 square feet.
The Florida Legislature granted $2 million to UF to build the facility and construction is set to finish in December. The building will house labs and offices for potential new faculty members.
“Southwest Florida is a major agricultural region with unique problems and characteristics that deserves a team of scientists specifically addressing its issues,” said Calvin Arnold, SWFREC director. “I envision that the agricultural producers, harvesters, packers, shippers, and processors in Southwest Florida will readily give testimony to the enhanced value of the Center during the next five years.”
Jack Payne, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, echoed Arnold’s sentiments. “The Southwest Florida REC is a vital part of UF’s mission to find solutions for everyone from residents to major stakeholders in the farming industry. This expansion will enhance and even add to that mission by making room for new labs and new faculty members.”
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