UF Becomes New Hub for Cutting-Edge Agricultural Breeding Program

Feeding a growing population while keeping farms competitive takes constant innovation. That’s where the University of Florida’s newest partnership comes in. UF is now the home of Breeding Insight, a USDA Agricultural Research Service funded program that supports more than 60 public breeding efforts across the country.

So, what’s the program about? Scientists with Breeding Insight use advanced computing, artificial intelligence, and custom software to help breeders develop crops that they say are more resilient, nutritious, and productive. Their work focuses on speeding discoveries from the lab to the field, where improved plants can make a real difference for growers and consumers alike.

According to the University of Florida, this partnership combines UF/IFAS’s world-class plant breeding expertise with Breeding Insight’s data-driven approach to strengthen agriculture in Florida and beyond. Among the 50 species the program supports are ten of Florida’s top commodities, including citrus, strawberries, potatoes, and honeybees, helping producers boost yields, reduce costs, and deliver high-quality food nationwide.

For more, visit https://news.ufl.edu/2025/09/breeding-accelerator-program/