UF GCREC

The UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) has evolved from a small tomato research center with one scientist to a center of 20 scientists and over 200 employees that offers responsive research solutions to growers for numerous commodities grown in Florida. GCREC has been at its present location since 2005, after over 80 years of existence at two previous sites in Bradenton and Dover. The centers were previously established because of particular agronomic needs in the region. Historically, the Bradenton location focused on vegetable and cut-flower ornamental production. In recent years, environmental issues, protection of natural resources, as well as urban landscape and land use changes, have become important. The merger of location sites, identification of new research thrust areas and the addition of a teaching program with faculty located at Hillsborough Community College in Plant City, have given the faculty of GCREC many challenges and opportunities to meet the needs of Floridians.