IFAS Matters - February 2013

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Jack Payne

IFAS in the Global Context

One way to judge the success of modern agriculture is by how much we pay for food. According to USDA, in 1933 Americans spent more than 25 percent of their income on food. By 1985, that had dropped to 11.7 percent and, in 2000, below 10 percent. In contrast, the poorest nations currently spend 70 percent or more of their disposable income on feeding their families.

After World War II, UF’s president, John J. Tigert, stated, “After this war, there are going to be new worldwide interests.” That prediction has come to bear as UF/IFAS has decades of international experience on all continents. We collaborate with international agencies and governments in numerous countries to reduce hunger and promote sustainable utilization and conservation of natural resources. Throughout this process, UF/IFAS is closely involved in the training of professionals from these regions. The carry-over effect has better prepared our students for careers as they have garnered greater awareness and experience with issues of international significance.

Today UF/IFAS has knowledge and experience pertinent to every aspect of the food chain, from laboratory to farm and from market to table, and our research continues to improve the quality of life for people throughout the world. Food is safer and its supply is more secure, water is cleaner, and crops are better able to withstand disease. What’s more, Florida’s farmers have better access to markets because of our scientists and extension specialists.

UF/IFAS is proud that our focus on Florida is not constrained by lines on a map. Together with global partners in higher education and research, we are working to find more ways to harness UF/IFAS resources to tackle  global food challenges. For UF/IFAS, it’s just all in a day’s work of making the world a better place, which is the core mission of the land-grant system and our world-class university.

-Jack

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