MANATEE -- Tropicana Products Inc. is pledging $1.5 million to endow a professorship specializing in innovative citrus research at the University of Florida.
The announcement, made today, will set up an endowment, to be known as "The Tropicana Professorship for Florida Citrus Innovation," that will support teaching, research and outreach efforts dedicated to the future of the state's citrus industry, Tropicana officials said.
The research is expected to target advanced production systems, efficient water use, protection of natural diversity and sustainable citrus production.
Jack Payne, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, said it will fund a professor who will target research efforts aimed at helping the industry become more sustainable.
"Every agricultural industry must work to become more sustainable and our state's citrus growers are helping lead the way," Payne said. "The research goal here will be citrus trees that flourish with little impact on the environment. It's a wonderful goal and this sort of corporate partnership is critical to helping us reach it."
A more sustainable citrus industry, he said, would mean trees that thrive with less fertilizer and irrigation than are currently required, and being able to plant more trees per acre.
"As the largest buyer of Florida oranges, ensuring that Florida citrus remains vital, competitive and sus
tainable for generations to come is paramount," said Neil Campbell, president of Tropicana Beverages, North America. "The University of Florida is world renowned for its agricultural research and science initiatives and we can think of no better partner."
Mike Haycock, vice president of operations for Tropicana, said that as a longtime member of the Florida citrus community, the company understands how important this is to the state because, "Florida is where it all started for Tropicana back in 1947.
"Through this work and investment, together, we will help drive innovation and create solutions for a sustainable future for the Florida citrus industry, which continues to face serious challenges," Haycock said.
The Tropicana gift follows another $1 million in USDA grant funding to UF/IFAS for citrus. Those funds will be used to support research aimed at preventing the insect that transmits citrus greening from being able to spread the disease.
Since 2006, citrus greening has cost Florida's economy an estimated $4.54 billion in lost revenues and 8,257 jobs by reducing orange juice production, UF/IFAS studies have found.
Michael W. Sparks, executive vice president and the CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, the largest cooperative associated dedicated to helping the state's citrus growers, called Tropicana's gift a much-needed one.
"Florida citrus growers are currently facing the biggest disease challenge we've ever faced ... and the only way we are going to beat it is in the laboratory," he said. "This endowment is a huge step forward in strengthening the resources we have in the fight."
