Event Offers Unique Insight into Relevant Topics and Career Opportunities

On Thursday, June 22, 2017, from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30p.m., students 8-18 years old will have the opportunity to learn about Florida citrus during the Citrus Youth Day.
Citrus Youth Day is a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) 4-H Youth Development program, presented by the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC). The CREC has been able to assist the citrus industry in meeting its developmental needs through its research, extension, and teaching programs for the past 100 years. It is the oldest and largest off-campus experiment station in UF/IFAS and is unique among research centers in that it focuses entirely on one commodity— citrus. CREC discovers and delivers innovative solutions that empower citrus and other agricultural interest to conduct responsible and profitable business, CREC fosters scientific excellence and efficient use of resources.
Jamie Burrow, with UF/IFAS says, “During Citrus Youth Day, participants will learn about various aspects of the citrus industry. They will learn about Florida’s citrus history and its current state, diseases and pests, and the effects of weather and how it is monitored.” The schedule will include registration starting at 8:15 a.m. A welcome address and UF/CALS presentation will begin at 8:45 a.m. Then at 9:35 a.m., they will rotate with their designated group to different events like The Florida Citrus Industry, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Horticulture, and Exhibits. The event will close with a lunch consisting of pizza and cookies.
The students will also have a great opportunity to learn about future careers. “The University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) will be presenting about the diversity of the 23 degrees in CALS and how those degrees support agriculture and the citrus industry,” says Burrow. “While learning about the different aspects of the citrus industry, participant groups and stations will be led by researchers, educators, lab personnel, and current UF students. This will give participants an opportunity to speak with the youth day workers to learn about their experiences and what they enjoy most about their careers.”
The students will have several opportunities to learn some of the educational parts of citrus in a fun and engaging way. “Citrus Youth Day will be an exciting time!” Burrow points out. “During the participants visit to each station, they will participate in hands-on activities, such as making miniature microscopes from laser pointers, seeing glowing plants, and having an opportunity to try edible insects. Each participant will receive a t-shirt, sling bag, snack, and lunch.”
CITRUS YOUTH DAY LOCATION
UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center
700 Experiment Station Road
Lake Alfred, Florida 33850
To get more information or to register, go to 2017citrusyouthday.eventbrite.com. Call Jamie Burrow at (863) 956-8648, or email jdyates@ufl.edu. For more directions, go to crec.ifas.ufl.edu/about/map/map.shtml.
by GRACE BOGGESS