Industry work pays off: IFAS receives proportionate cuts

Industry work pays off: IFAS receives proportionate cuts

I was on a conference call earlier this week with the Future of Florida Agriculture Task Force to discuss the IFAS budget reductions. As this was a serious concern for all of agriculture, I was pleased to report that IFAS will be shouldering a proportionate cut (6 percent) to the rest of the university programs.

A complete list of reductions for the university and IFAS can be found on the president’s Web site www.president.ufl.edu. I thank each person who took the time to write a letter or express concern about this issue. The University of Florida IFAS is important to every Floridian.

And so, what is the upshot of the industry’s campaign on behalf of UF/IFAS? Anyone who sees a rosy glow around the immediate future wearing the wrong colored glasses. Dr. Cheek says IFAS “will struggle to maintain our teaching, research, and extension programs throughout the state.”

But, at least the teaching, research and extension programs and offices will continue to exist in the state. Florida agriculture’s research and development arm remains intact and functional. That fact is a testament to everyone who participated in the effort and to the leaders and organizations that worked so harmoniously, passionately and, ultimately, effectively to ensure only proportional cuts would be made to the IFAS budget. It is also testifies to the willingness of legislative leaders and administrators to listen and respond to reason.