When a new invasive pest or plant disease appears, scientists have a small window of opportunity to address the threat before it spreads and becomes a much larger problem, potentially devastating Florida's agriculture, nursery industries, natural areas and food supply.

A new initiative called Challenge 250 aims to strengthen the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Tropical Research and Education Center's (TREC) ability to respond during these critical moments.

Launched by Edward ‘Gilly’ Evans, TREC director, Challenge 250 aims to raise $250,000 in dedicated funding for rapid-response agricultural research and outreach. The goal is to create flexible, readily available resources that allow scientists to quickly investigate, assess and respond to emerging pest and disease threats before they escalate into widespread problems.

“Named in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary, Challenge 250 will give our researchers resources and opportunities to develop tools they can deploy quickly when a new invasive pest or plant disease is detected,” said Evans. “That early action can help protect growers, safeguard ecosystems and ensure that Florida’s agriculture and horticulture industries remain viable for generations to come.”

To ensure researchers are prepared when the next threat emerges, Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins will help launch Challenge 250 at the 12th Annual One Night in the Tropics on Nov. 7.

Located in Homestead, TREC is often on the front lines of identifying and addressing invasive species and plant disease threats entering Florida. Florida gets one to two new pests every month and 75% of them make their way through South Florida. Challenge 250 will strengthen the center's rapid-response capabilities by providing a sustainable source of funding that complements existing research and Extension programs while helping to protect farms, nurseries, natural resources and the food system.

Florida's agriculture and food system supports nearly $388 billion in economic activity and more than 2.5 million jobs, making it one of the state's most important economic drivers. Miami-Dade County's agricultural industry, located in the heart of Homestead where TREC sits, generates more than $1.1 billion annually in farm sales and accounts for about 12% of Florida's agricultural production value, making it one of the state's most economically significant farming regions.

Miami-Dade County’s agriculture also ranks first in the nation for nursery, greenhouse and floriculture production and second in Florida in overall farm production value. Its proximity to the Port of Miami, Miami International Airport and the Florida Everglades also places the region at heightened risk for invasive pests and diseases.

“Homestead is often ground zero for invasive pests, making TREC a critical line of defense in the fight against emerging threats to our food security, nursery industry and natural resources,” said Evans.

While Florida has robust monitoring programs and effective management strategies, responding quickly to a new pest or disease can be complicated by the traditional research funding process. Grants can take months to prepare, submit and approve at a time when rapid action is essential.

Challenge 250 is designed to bridge that gap.

The funds will allow TREC scientists to begin critical work immediately upon detection of a new invasive species, conducting diagnostics and surveillance, screening existing pesticides and biological controls, evaluating integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, developing containment plans, convening subject-matter experts and delivering rapid educational workshops for growers and stakeholders.

Researchers can also assess biorational and naturally derived products, cultural control practices and other environmentally responsible management tools while developing longer-term solutions. These early efforts provide critical information needed to build comprehensive management programs and secure additional research support.

“Food security is national security,” said Evans. “By supporting Challenge 250, you’re helping protect growers, safeguard ecosystems and strengthen the resilience of Florida’s agriculture and horticulture industries for generations to come.”