FFAA Joins Fertilizer Industry Round Table (FIRT) to Explore Agricultural Innovations in Florida

In early October, FFAA joined agricultural leaders at the Fertilizer Industry Round Table (FIRT) annual meeting to explore cutting-edge technologies transforming Florida agriculture. The two-day event featured tours of the University of Florida (UF) IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) and Dun-D Citrus.

At GCREC, industry leaders saw firsthand how researchers are applying artificial intelligence and robotics to fertilizer management, weed science, plant diagnosis, phenomics. Highlights of the tour included:

• AI Smart Sprayer: Advanced camera systems that detect target areas in real time, delivering precise applications while minimizing waste.
• Spectral Imaging: Hyperspectral and multispectral technology capable of accurately estimating strawberry leaf nitrogen levels to optimize plant health.
• Robotic Harvester: Prototype automated harvesters and cutters designed to tackle ongoing labor shortages and boost field efficiency.

As the GCREC continues building its Institute for Agricultural Innovation, it remains focused on helping Florida’s growers navigate rising production costs, labor constraints, pest management challenges, and sustainability demands.

The tour also visited Dun-D Citrus, the world’s largest Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS) operation, where Florida Rubies Grapefruit are grown under 10-acre protective screened pods.

By enclosing the crop in these screen structures, Dun-D effectively shields crops from vector pests like the Asian Citrus Psyllid- the primary cause of Citrus Greening (HLB)- ensuring superior fruit yields and quality. To maximize efficiency, Dun-D utilizes advanced metering and monitoring systems that track soil moisture in real time. These precision sensors allow growers to optimize irrigation and nutrient delivery, significantly reducing necessary resource inputs.

The results speak for themselves: CUPS-grown trees grow at more than double the standard rate while producing higher fruit yields and taste noticeably less acidic.

Innovations like those demonstrated at GCREC and Dun-D Citrus showcase how technology and sustainable practices are paving a resilient, productive future for Florida agriculture.