UF IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department

10/26/2026

🌟Alumni Spotlight 🌟

A double gator graduate, Diana Moya recently completed her Master of Agribusiness (MAB)degree in Summer 2026.

Since then, she has been combining the agribusiness knowledge gained through her MAB with the technical Food Science background from her undergraduate program to her role as an Operator Specialist at Saputo Dairy USA.

"In my career, I want to understand not only the product itself, but also the financial, operational, supply chain, and customer considerations behind it,” Moya said. “The MAB program has strengthened my analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, which I will use to evaluate opportunities, and ultimately contribute to more strategic business decisions.”

Please join us in congratulating Diana on her recent graduation, and wishing her well as she continues to advance her career in the industry!

You can learn more about her MAB experience, capstone project and current role in our latest bog post here: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/fredept/2026/10/26/mab-alumni-diana-moya-combines-technical-food-science-background-with-agribusiness-knowledge-at-saputo-dairy-usa/

10/21/2026

When it comes to agricultural resilience, a major factor is risk mitigation. That's why development economist & UF/IFAS FRE Associate Professor Dr. Patrick S. Ward is so passionate about his work exploring different financial tools to support farmers in developing countries across the world.

In the latest episode of our department podcast, FRE Lunch, we are joined by Dr. Ward to discuss the evolution of the field of Development Economics, as well as his research efforts in South Asia working with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and countless other partner organizations in countries such as India, Nepal and Bangladesh to research and develop more effective forms of crop insurance packages to support rice farmers and other producers.

Listen Now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2375738/episodes/19973842

10/19/2026

🏈 Pass it on! FRE is hosting a free Family, Friends, & Alumni Tailgate on Saturday November 7th and everyone is invited!

We hope to see you there at Emerson Alumni Hall to cheer on the Gators together as we celebrate our 100th year as a department. 🧡💙

RSVP Today: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/5hEMCY3K0H

10/14/2026

SATURDAY NOV. 7th - Join the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department for a FREE tailgate event to cheer on the Florida Gators together as we continue celebrating 100 Years of FRE!

We are partnering with the UF Alumni Association to host the entire FRE community and friends for one of the best tailgate experiences on campus - the Gator Nation Tailgate at Emerson Alumni Hall!

When: Saturday, November 7th before the UF vs. Oklahoma University Game
Start Time: 3 Hours Before Kickoff (TBD)
Location: Emerson Alumni Hall in the Lowe Library (1938 W. University Ave)

The 100 Years of FRE: Friends, Family & Alumni Tailgate is open to everyone! This includes FRE alumni, current department members, colleagues, community members and supporters.

RSVP today: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/5hEMCY3K0H

10/13/2026

The UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program Team is working to assess the agricultural impacts in areas affected by Hurricane Isaias.

After your emergency needs have been met and it is safe to do so, we encourage agricultural producers to assess and report any agricultural losses and damages first to the USDA-FSA and then through the UF/IFAS EIAP Assessment Survey.

We need your input or help sharing this survey! UF IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department researchers are studying the agricultural losses and damages resulting from .

If you own a farm, ranch, or aquaculture operation, once it is safe to assess your property, please use the links below to complete the survey ⬇️

English 📋 go.ufl.edu/isaiasagimpacts
Español 📋 go.ufl.edu/impactosagricolasisaias

Thank you for your cooperation!

10/12/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Andrew Schmitz, Ben Hill Griffin, Jr. Eminent Scholar and Professor of Food and Resource Economics.

Having grown up on his family wheat farm in Canada, Dr. Schmitz’s personal connection to agricultural production fueled a lifelong determination to use his
economic expertise to support his fellow farm owners across the globe.

Dr. Schmitz, who was a dedicated member of the University of Florida faculty for over 30 years, is a giant in the field of agricultural economics, known internationally for his instrumental role in studying international trade and in the development and application of welfare economic analysis within our field.

And yet, despite his many academic accomplishments, Dr. Schmitz was equally well-known for his warm personality and willingness to engage with anyone in a positive and spirited discussion, whether it was a brand-new student or an accomplished fellow. He will be remembered for the impact he had on his colleagues, peers, and the students whose lives he shaped.

Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time, as he is survived by his wife and children and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. A gathering will be held at the Schmitz Home in Gainesville, FL, on Saturday, October 17th from 5 PM – 9 PM to celebrate his life. Please reach out to the FRE Department directly for details if you would like to attend.

10/09/2026

As we brace for the impacts of Hurricane Isaias along the Northern Gulf Coast, it is essential to be prepared and stay informed. After the storm has passed, your emergency needs have been met, and it is safe to do so, we encourage agricultural producers to assess and report any agricultural losses and damages.

UF/IFAS and the Economic Impact Analysis Program are here to help, and have prepared information and resources regarding the assessment process in the following blog post: go.ufl.edu/isaias-assessment-prep

10/07/2026

Thanks to everyone who participated yesterday in Day 1 of our FRE 100 Field Fest!

Today, we'll be wrapping up the competition in the Reitz Union Game Center with bowling, games, and free pizza for all. The first hour of our evening will be dedicated to the competition, so make sure to arrive before 5:50 PM if you would like your scores to be considered

There will be winners recognized at the undergraduate and graduate level, with a chance to win prizes! Our top winners in each category will be based on overall performance in the challenges across both days, but even if you did not attend yesterday, there is still a chance to take home first place in any of the individual events from Day 2.

At 6:30, we will begin our awards ceremony and announce the winners!🏆

10/06/2026

Today kicks off our FRE 100 Field Fest!

Due to weather, we’ll be moving Day 1 INDOORS to McCarty Hall A 1151 but today's events will continue as planned. We hope you'll join us for some free ice cream and friendly competition from 3:30 a 5:30 PM! 🍦

10/05/2026

Calling all FRE Students!

As we continue to celebrate our 100th year as a department we hope you will join us for a fun, free, two day event next week on Oct. 6th & 7th. Hosted by the Department with help from the Ag. Econ Club, each day will have fun activities, free treats, and the chance to participate in some friendly competitions.

Day 1: Tuesday Oct. 6th from 3:30PM - 5:30 PM at McCarty Hall A
Join us to compete in a series of assorted lawn games right outside McCarty Hall, before joining us inside MCCA1151 for some well-earned ice cream and treats

Day 2: Wednesday October 7th from 5 PM - 7 PM at the Reitz Union Game Center. Students can participate in bowling and other events before wrapping up the competition with free pizza for all and a recognition of our winners from both days’ events