By Barbara Wunder, FFVA communications manager

A lot can happen in an industry in 90 years, and the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred is a good example. Originally called the Citrus Experiment Station when it was launched in 1917, today’s facility employs 250 people and is the home of citrus researchers from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences as well as the scientific research staff of the Florida Department of Citrus.

One of the biggest recent changes is a new spirit of cooperation with the Florida citrus industry’s largest competitor – Brazil. A key part of the facility’s Nov. 7 anniversary celebration was the dedication of the new Citrus Pathology Building, which was funded in part by Cutrale Citrus Juices USA Inc., a subsidiary of the Brazilian company of the same name.

Hugh Thompson, president of Cutrale USA, said research originating at the Lake Alfred facility could determine the future of the citrus industry.

“I feel like someone at a University of Florida football game wearing the opposing team’s jersey,” said Hugh Thompson, president of Cutrale USA, adding that he thinks it’s the beginning of a joint effort to solve challenges in both the Brazilian and Florida industries. “In order for us to deliver more product and turn a declining category into growth, we need a successful Florida grower,” said Thompson. “We believe the future of the Florida grower is going to be a lot decided by what comes out of this facility. We don’t want to put any pressure on you, but you may decide the future of our industry,” he concluded in his remarks to the anniversary gathering.

The largest contribution for the $2.5 million building was $875,000 from the estate of the late Margaret Ross of Tavares, a well-known Florida citrus industry supporter. Other funding came from Florida citrus growers and a state matching grant.

The Citrus Pathology Building actually opened earlier this year, getting a jump-start on research geared to fighting citrus greening and citrus canker, two bacterial diseases drastically affecting both Florida and Brazilian citrus.

The anniversary celebration also included a rededication of the newly renovated Ben Hill Griffin Jr. Hall. “There were many individuals along with my father who brought about this citrus hall. All of those individuals had great faith in the Florida citrus industry, and their dream for the betterment of our industry is still being served today,” said Ben Hill Griffin III, son of the late citrus pioneer. “IFAS continues to respond to our needs and to help lead the way through research to find the answers to a more successful future,” Griffin said.

Peter McClure, chairman of the Citrus Production Search Advisory Council, wondered whether the research to be conducted at the CREC "would matter.”

The Citrus Research and Education Center boasts an interesting history. From its beginnings in 1917, scientists at the center have made several key discoveries and technological advancements that have proven pivotal to the industry’s development.

It was there that the current technology for making frozen concentrate orange juice was developed. CREC researchers patented the process in 1948, and frozen concentrate became a huge hit worldwide. Another milestone was the development of today’s freeze-protection methods. Early methods to protect citrus trees and fruit from freezing weather involved heaters or wind machines. In the 1980s, CREC and other UF researchers found that micro-sprinkler irrigation was an effective way to prevent freeze damage. Today, this type of irrigation remains the most popular way to protect the state’s citrus crop.

The center has grown over the past 90 years from a $14,000 “experiment station” to a facility with 40 labs, 225 acres of groves, dozens of greenhouses, a juice-processing pilot plant, the world’s largest citrus library, and 52 buildings encompassing 219,890 square feet of space. Five new faculty members also joined the CREC in 2007, spurring excitement about innovative ideas and solutions to come.

Jimmy Cheek, director of the Citrus Research and Education Center, said the research conducted at the facility will be relevant and meaningful to the industry.

The CREC provides publications and educational programs for industry members and homeowners. Its emphasis remains to fight citrus canker, citrus greening and fungal diseases, and to improve the quality of Florida citrus.  

The center’s next step will be to accelerate the pace of research and to make it relevant. Peter McClure, chairman of the Citrus Production Search Advisory Council, asked the most pointed question of the day: “The big question about all the research to be conducted here is: Will it matter?” 

Jimmy Cheek, the center’s director, answered McClure. “Yes. We will conquer the challenges we encounter today. It’s a very determined group of people who are involved in agriculture in this state, and we’re a very determined group of researchers.”

Mike Sparks, executive director of Florida Citrus Mutual, gave Cheek his vote of confidence. “The Florida citrus industry produces a global commodity and will always face tough issues. Mother Nature, trade battles, pests and diseases … the puzzle constantly shifts. But how we conquer these challenges makes us the strong industry we’re looking at today,” he said. “As we move forward with the next round of battles, we’re lucky to have an institution like the UF/CREC on our side.”