The Food and Resource Economics Department reflects the diversity of Florida's agriculture
which has more than 50 major commodities. The Department has 41 faculty members
involved in a full range of research, extension, and teaching programs including
Agricultural Marketing and Policy, Production/Farm Management, International Trade
and Development, Marine Economics, Natural Resources, Community/Regional Development,
and Labor Economics. In addition to 33 faculty members located at the main campus
in Gainesville, eight faculty are found at research and education centers located
throughout the state.
Dr. Fritz Roka's economic program at SWFREC supports other applied research programs
in Florida with economic data and strives to improve the quality of cost, price
and market information available to Florida farm owners and managers. Improved information
should help agricultural producers make more profitable decisions in their commercial
operations. In addition, this information should aid in the way resources are managed
so to enhance environmental quality and conserve the region's natural resources.