Who We Are

UF/IFAS TREC is the premier teaching, research, and extension institution in Florida with a primary focus on tropical and subtropical fruit crops, traditional and tropical vegetables, tropical ornamental crops, energy crops and natural resources in the warm subtropics. Due to the region's humid subtropical climate, UF/IFAS TREC is the only state university research and education center in the continental U.S. focusing on a large number of tropical and subtropical crops, strategically situated at the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean Region. Additionally, it is located in the shallow Biscayne Aquifer and in proximity to Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Marine Park, Florida Bay and major well fields which provide drinking water to the several million people living in the neighboring urban areas.  

The humid subtropical climate, tropical horticultural industries, proximity to some of the largest natural areas in the U.S.A., and the demographic diversity of south Florida offer unique opportunities to positively impact the lives and natural environment of Florida’s citizens while enhancing horticultural and natural resources research and education throughout the tropical world.

Our Privileged location:

The Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) is one of 12 research and education centers, which are part of the UF/IFAS system. The Center is located 25°S latitude and 80.4°W longitude, along the southeastern coast of Florida approximately 30 miles south of Miami. Surrounded by water on 3 sides, south Florida's climate is marine subtropical with a mean annual temperature of 23.4°C, and a mean annual rainfall of 1650 mm with a wet season from late May to October. Geographically and climatically, south Florida is part of the Caribbean Region with close proximity to Latin America. Due to the unique geographic location and climate, UF/IFAS TREC offers the University of Florida an opportunity to have an impact well beyond the continental United States. 

Facilities:  

The Center's 65 ha (160 acres) consist of 8 buildings with offices and laboratory space, 2 state-of-the-art classrooms, 1 conference room, 17 glass/fiberglass greenhouses, 7 shade houses, vegetable fields, ornamental plantings, and fruit groves (about 35 acres of orchards, 40 acres of land utilized in vegetable crops research, and 10 acres in ornamental palms and cycads). Additionally, UF/IFAS TREC serves a large ornamental, vegetable, and tropical fruit industry which has historically cooperated with the Center to develop applied research.