USDA-Funded Breeding Insight Program Relocates to UF/IFAS, Bringing Advanced Technology to Accelerate Crop Development and Support Local Agriculture.
In a move poised to strengthen the nation’s food security and solidify Florida’s role in agricultural innovation, the University of Florida has been selected as the new host for the Breeding Insight (BI) program. This significant USDA-Agricultural Research Service-funded initiative, which supports over 61 public breeding programs nationwide, will now be housed at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
The decision to relocate to UF/IFAS follows a competitive selection process, with several universities vying for the program. According to BI Director Moira Sheehan and UF/IFAS Associate Dean for Research Damian Adams, UF was chosen for its robust agricultural programs, strong industry relationships, and its world-class computing infrastructure, including the HiPerGator supercomputer.
Leveraging Technology for Faster, Healthier Crops
Breeding Insight utilizes cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, to dramatically speed up the development of new crop varieties. These advancements help scientists create plants that are more resistant to pests and diseases, more nutritious, and easier to harvest through automation, which can save farmers time and money.
The program’s expertise extends beyond just food crops, also supporting ornamental plants vital for healthy ecosystems and animal breeding efforts. This work was recognized in 2024 with the USDA Secretary’s Honor Award for its contribution to providing Americans with safe and nutritious food.
“The shift of the program to UF/IFAS solidifies UF as the world’s best plant breeding program,” said Damian Adams, who will now manage the program. “It also positions us to better support the agriculture industry in Florida through accelerated precision-breeding efforts.”
Direct Benefits for Florida’s Farmers
The partnership is expected to have an immediate and direct impact on Florida’s agricultural sector. Among the nearly 50 species currently supported by Breeding Insight, ten are top agricultural products for the state, including blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, sugarcane, and citrus.
Breeding Insight’s work also focuses on improving crop characteristics that are critical to growers and consumers alike:
- Enhancing shelf life for fruits and vegetables to reduce waste and increase market value.
- Improving the efficiency of crops with long growing cycles, such as pine and fruit trees.
- Developing improved genetic stock for the honeybee and aquaculture industries, including farm-raised tilapia and oysters.
Looking ahead, the program hopes to expand its support to additional Florida crops like peanuts and avocados, further solidifying the state’s agricultural leadership.
As UF’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, Scott Angle, stated, “Feeding the world will require that new plant varieties be developed at a much more rapid pace, and we are confident that Breeding Insight and UF/IFAS combined will be an important part of that effort.”
READ: Florida Preserves 958 Acres Of Farmland In A “Major Victory” For Conservation
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