The University of Florida has officially named Michael Rogers the director of the Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) in Lake Alfred. He had been acting as interim director since November. Today, CREC employs 250 people and is home to the scientific research staff of the Florida Department of Citrus. It is the largest facility in the world devoted to a single commodity, citrus.
Photo courtesy of UF/IFAS
Rogers has a doctorate in entomology from the University of Kentucky and specializes in citrus integrated pest management. He has focused on the Asian citrus psyllid, the insect that carries the bacterium that causes citrus greening, which is threatening to destroy the state’s $10.7 billion citrus industry.
“I’ve become more familiar with the research taking place in the many different programs at CREC and it’s hard not to get excited about what’s to come in the future,” Rogers said. “The past eight months as interim director have been challenging but also very encouraging. Citrus greening disease has caused many in the Florida citrus industry to begin questioning how much longer they can hang on. While it may seem gloomy right now, there are bright days ahead for the Florida citrus industry.”
“Michael Rogers exemplifies what the CREC director should be – he is dedicated to research and finding a cure for citrus greening,” said Jack Payne, UF/IFAS senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources. “He leads by example an outstanding faculty and research team in Lake Alfred, and we look forward to working with him for many more years.”