The Florida NAMA Chapter hosted a luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples featuring key-note speaker Dr. Jack Payne, Senior Vice President for Agriculture & Natural Resources at the University of Florida. The guests in attendance included members of the Chapter as well as members of the Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association.

Dr. Payne gave the audience an update with regard to the various research, scientific and educational programs at the Institute for Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) as well as some of the exciting work being done producing and marketing new varieties of blueberries, peaches and tomatoes. IFAS research has resulted in hundreds of new plant cultivars and inventions including patented biofuel-production technology and water-saving irrigation systems.  He said that the state’s almost 300 commodities provide challenges that the staff and faculty at IFAS and dedicated scientists are committed to using scientific knowledge to solve.

The well-attended event was sponsored by FFAA, Southeast AgNet Radio, Farm Credit of Florida and the Florida NAMA Chapter.