Groundbreaking for AI center part of 100th anniversary celebration of UF Gulf Coast Research and Education Center

Agriculture is not limited to rows of citrus groves and strawberry fields: it is Florida’s second economic power, behind tourism. With more than 133,000 jobs depending on its success, agriculture fuels communities across the Sunshine State.

But farmers face many challenges: pests, diseases, labor, rising costs and more.

To protect crop yields and the environment, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) leverages powerful tools such as artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technology.

To accelerate the development of AI-based technologies, UF/IFAS is set to build a 40,000-square-foot AI center in Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Balm, about 25 miles southeast of Tampa. THE Center for artificial intelligence applied to agriculture will serve as a world-class research, extension and development center.

A five-year plan will begin to come to fruition Nov. 7 as UF officials and other dignitaries break ground on construction of the AI ​​center. The groundbreaking will be part of the GCREC’s 100th anniversary celebration.

“It will be the birthplace of the next technological advances made possible by a 150-year-old land-grant model of partnership between academia, industry and government,” said Scott AngleUF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and UF/IFAS leader. “UF’s historic investment in AI talent, generous funding from the state Legislature to create this space, and adoption of innovation by farmers and processors will make Florida an even greater positive force in feeding the world.”

Effectiveness of AI technology

AI and robotics can autonomously accomplish many tasks that traditionally require manual labor. By developing these technologies, AI can increase the number of high-tech, high-paying jobs on farms.

Another benefit: Applying AI to difficult problems often leads to the creation of start-ups that could benefit Florida’s economy.

At this center, AI scientists will work with UF/IFAS researchers to study ways to breed plants that are resistant to pests and diseases, thereby increasing crop yields for farmers. These AI scientists will also work to ensure that growers use fewer chemicals to grow their crops.

“We envision that AI Center faculty will use new technologies to solve grower problems more quickly and efficiently than ever before,” said GCREC Director Jack Rechcigl. “Florida farmers face a myriad of problems, and one of the few ways to solve these vexing problems is through AI technology, sometimes known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

Plans call for the creation of a cutting-edge research workshop, equipped with everything needed to design and build robotic technologies for agriculture.

The center will also include office space, as well as areas designed to encourage conversations to build AI research and extension teams. These discussions are essential. Although the center will be based in Balm, the center’s faculty will develop technologies for many Floridians, whether they work in agriculture or other economic sectors.

Rechcigl estimates the center will directly employ 100 people, including computer scientists, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, AI specialists, graduate students and support staff.

The center’s economic benefits to Hillsborough and Manatee counties include:

• Improved agricultural production and more technology-driven jobs in the sector.

• New research and teaching faculty.

• The resources and expertise needed to support technology start-ups will attract new industries to Florida.

• Training programs for farmers, students and the public.

UF/IFAS paves the way for AI

UF/IFAS is a leader in academics AI Initiative. Hundreds of UF/IFAS faculty are leveraging AI in their research. Specifically, over the past five years, the institute has hired 16 faculty who specialize in developing ways to use AI to help improve technology for agriculture and natural resources. UF also has HiPerGatorthe fastest AI computer in American academia, and a gift from NVIDIA.

GCREC scientists have already initiated considerable practical research using AI technology:

· Kevin Wangassistant professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE) at GCREC, uses AI to help plant scientists accelerate the breeding process for heat, disease and pest resistance.

· Dana Choialso an ABE assistant professor at the center, uses digital twin technology to simulate strawberry growing seasons, even when the fruit is not in season. This helps farmers know when to plant and spray. It even helps them predict their harvests.

· Nathan Boydprofessor of horticultural sciences and associate director of GCREC, has developed a start-up in which he uses AI to spray weeds – not damage surrounding crops.

“The survival of our agricultural industries like fruit and vegetable production depends on the development of new technologies using AI to help our producers compete in a global environment,” Rechcigl said. “Specifically, the economic impact of the AI ​​center will be widespread. The center will strengthen the agricultural industry and support manufacturing industries focused on AI-based robotic technologies.

###

ABOUT UF/IFAS

The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop relevant knowledge of agricultural, human, and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to support and improve the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices and award-winning students and faculty in the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resource industries, as well as all Florida residents.

ifas.ufl.edu | @UF_IFAS

About AI at UF

The University of Florida is making artificial intelligence the centerpiece of a major, long-term initiative that combines world-class research infrastructure, cutting-edge research and a transformational approach to curriculum. UF is committed to building the nation’s premier AI university by offering artificial intelligence courses to all students in its 16 colleges through our AI Across the Curriculum program. Our faculty and students can analyze large amounts of data that can impact our nation’s biggest challenges with HiPerGator, the nation’s most powerful academic supercomputer.

###

ABOUT UF/IFAS

The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop relevant knowledge of agricultural, human, and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to support and improve the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices and award-winning students and faculty in the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resource industries, as well as all Florida residents.

ifas.ufl.edu | @UF_IFAS

About AI at UF

The University of Florida is making artificial intelligence the centerpiece of a major, long-term initiative that combines world-class research infrastructure, cutting-edge research and a transformational approach to curriculum. UF is committed to building the nation’s premier AI university by offering artificial intelligence courses to all students in its 16 colleges through our AI Across the Curriculum program. Our faculty and students can analyze vast amounts of data that can impact our nation’s biggest challenges with HiPerGator, the most powerful academic supercomputer.

Provided by University of Florida