UF to lead crop-biosecurity lab aimed at protecting Florida farms
UF/IFAS says its new State Department-funded SAFE Lab will study crop threats overseas before they reach Florida and other U.S. farms.
What the record says
The University of Florida announced October 15 that it was selected to lead the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for High-Value Crops, called SAFE. The State Department-funded UF/IFAS effort plans to use artificial intelligence, crop modeling, diagnostics and risk mapping to help detect and contain crop pests and diseases. Its planned work covers Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, Nepal, the Philippines and the Dominican Republic. The university also describes goals involving postharvest practices, food safety and reduced food losses.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Read UF/IFAS’s description of the lab’s planned work and follow its research updates; continue to use current official crop-health guidance for farm decisions.
Limits and what is not established
These are announced research aims, not proof that pests have been stopped, crop losses reduced or farm income increased. This source does not establish a grant amount, participation application or available treatment.
Sources checked October 19, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.
Original sources
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences: original information