UF IFAS Center for Public Issues Education

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Gainesville, FL
UF IFAS Center for Public Issues Education

A UF/IFAS center devoted to effective communication, proactive outreach and research-based solutions to agriculture and natural resource issues.

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) PIE Center finds tested, research-based solutions to key agriculture and natural resources issues by conducting practical research on perceptions of public policy, resulting in effective communication and proactive education strategies.

06/05/2026

Mark your Calendar! The PIE Center, in collaboration with UF IFAS Florida EDEN, is hosting a free lunch and learn on June 23 at 12 PM EDT focusing on communication strategies before, during and after hurricanes. 🌀

This session explores practical strategies and tools for planning, implementing, and assessing communication efforts across all phases of a disaster, including preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.

Register here: https://ufl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IBLWbL1ES3SsFvTgn0DGEA

05/28/2026

New research from UF IFAS Center for Public Issues Education shows rising concern across the Southeast about agricultural disease threats, food‑system disruptions, and public health. Additionally, a strong support for protections to reduce risk.

Extension scientist with the UF/IFAS PIE Center, Ashley McLeod-Morin, explains what the survey reveals and why Extension and community networks may be the key to learning more about preparedness.

Read more 🔗 tr.ee/b2vZOnpD0m

05/06/2026

Congratulations to our 2025-2026 PIE Fellows Cohort! 🎓

This cohort of PIE Fellows used quantitative and qualitative data to develop extension and communication materials for their desired projects, ranging from food and health to farm security. If you are interested in the PIE Fellow program, visit https://piecenter.com/pie-fellows/ for more information.

04/09/2026

Join the PIE Center and communication professionals from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Orlando Chapter on Wednesday April 29, 2026 at 1 P.M. EDT. for an online webinar on Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) for agriculture and natural resource communication professionals. ✏️

Register here: https://loom.ly/Qay02Kc
Learn more here: https://loom.ly/pksr-zs

02/19/2026

Keeping backyard chickens healthy starts with good biosecurity and knowing the signs of disease 🐔🥚

Chickens can be affected by illnesses such as bird flu, infectious bronchitis, fowlpox, Marek’s Disease, and avian encephalomyelitis, all of which can lower egg production and, in severe cases, lead to loss of birds. Simple daily practices like limiting visitors to your coop, quarantining new birds, disinfecting equipment, preventing contact with wild or migratory birds, and routinely checking flock health can make a big difference.

If you ever notice unusual symptoms, avoid handling sick or dead birds when possible, use gloves and wash hands thoroughly if contact is necessary, and report concerns to your state agriculture officials for guidance. Staying informed helps protect your flock, your food supply, and other poultry in your community.

Learn more about bird flu, prevention tips, and what to watch for here:
https://piecenter.com/resources/birdflu/

02/02/2026

POV: It's 2016 at the PIE Center✌️💚

01/20/2026

The PIE Center will host a FREE virtual Lunch and Learn workshop on February 12 from 12 to 1 p.m.

This one-hour virtual Lunch & Learn session is designed for university staff and professional association members in agriculture and natural resources. Although registration is free, please sign up beforehand to receive the zoom link.

To register visit: https://loom.ly/Z1L8xLM
For more information visit: https://loom.ly/WhEzgKk

01/09/2026

❗New Publication Alert ❗

A new publication by PIE Center faculty and staff reveals promising strategies for using social media to promote the prevention of tick-borne diseases among cattle producers in the United States.

Read the story here: https://loom.ly/R-8brFg
Read the full publication here: https://loom.ly/GThhyrE

12/15/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Kate Clary for graduating this weekend with her PhD from the UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication. Dr. Clary is the Director of Marketing, Strategy and Communications at FNGLA (Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association) and has served on the PIE Center advisory board for over four years. This year she will serve as our Vice Chair.

Her dissertation is titled, "New-Media Marketing in the Green Industry: A Survey of Nursery and Landscape Professionals' Communications Adoptions, Barriers, and Perceived Value."

Congratulations, Dr. Clary! 🎓👏

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

📷 L to R: Lauri Baker, Kate Clary, Jamie Loizzo, Kevin Folta

12/05/2025

PIE Center students and faculty attended the 2025 OSU Rural Renewal Initiative Symposium, a conference focused on raising awareness of the challenges facing rural communities. Research is an essential component of the symposium, providing a platform that allows for scholars to share their findings. Kayla Braggs and Dorcas Sunday, UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication graduate students, presented their research on H5N1(bird flu).

Read more here: https://loom.ly/4e2XkWg

Address

1408 Sabal Palm Drive
Gainesville, FL
32611

Telephone

+13522732598

Website

http://www.piecenter.com/

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