The goal of the Agro-Ecology Program is to complement existing agricultural education programs and promote awareness of agro-ecology issues such as the values of land stewardship, sustainable agricultural practices, and multiple uses of public lands to benefit both agricultural and natural systems. Demonstrating the Center's ability to bring together diverse groups to address issues of common interest, the program has assembled a core team of researchers, land managers, agricultural specialists, ranchers and growers. The Agro-Ecology program has initiated public/private partnerships that develop environmental and economic information on the role of agriculture in resource conservation.
The program also seeks to inform students and the general public about the environmental connection between the largely agricultural lands of central Florida and its urbanized coastal communities. This includes the importance of agricultural stewardship, natural resources and water conservation, and the need to prevent the conversion of Florida's valuable natural and agricultural resources. Components of the program include:
- A conference series exploring research, management and economic issues for grazing, timber, eco-tourism, and ecosystem restoration and management
- Educational materials on various agro-ecology topics
- Community outreach programs highlighting agricultural stewardship through CES’ Natural Science Lecture Series
- Developing educational programs that demonstrate the environmental connection between central Florida’s agricultural lands and its coastal communities