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Thumb up: Additional scientists to bring more expertise to USDA horticulture lab in St. Lucie County

TC Palm – April 30, 2011

SCIENCE ON THE MOVE: A budget cutback in the U.S. Department of Agriculture may prove good news for farmers in St. Lucie County.

With the decision to close the agency’s lab in Winter Haven, which had been in operation since 1931, consolidation will occur at its horticulture research laboratory in Fort Pierce. Eight scientists will join the staff of 21 here.

Calvin Arnold, director of the USDA’s Fort Pierce lab, said, “This is a perfect fit for us because most of when we do is related to the time prior to the citrus fruit harvest. Having them right here to evaluate the quality of the fruit after harvest would be a real help.”

In conjunction with the move, the Fort Pierce lab will get equipment from Winter Haven and will build an additional testing space.

“It’s all good for Fort Pierce,” said Doug Bournique, spokesman for the Indian River Citrus League. “It consolidates the research into one location, and it is adjacent to the (University of Florida) Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. It will be wonderful for our growers to be able to go by and discuss their research needs, and the scientists will have access to each other’s research. This is a great step and Fort Pierce is a mecca for research as far as we’re concerned.”

The USDA lab also is within the Treasure Coast Research and Education Park which is in the process of developing into a leader in new scientific technologies to boost jobs and the economy.

Welcome, scientists.

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