GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Center for Public Issues Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (PIE Center) is pleased to welcome Rachel Divine as its newest team member!

Rachel is serving as the new Research Coordinator for the PIE Center where she will be working alongside PIE Center staff in the planning, conducting, and analyzing of industry research.

Rachel comes to the PIE Center from Tallahassee where she served as an Environmental Specialist with the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services (FDACS). Working out of the Office of Agricultural Water Policy, she was responsible for communication and outreach planning. Rachel said she feels like her job with FDACS helped prepare her for success with the PIE Center.  

“I got to work with a different side of the industry that I had never been exposed to before,” Rachel said.  “I had the opportunity to network with a different group of agriculturists and natural resource individuals and see how they interact at a state government level. I learned a lot about government affairs.”

Rachel was attracted to the PIE Center because of the opportunity to be actively involved with the states agricultural commodities and the ability to work on something different every day.  

“I get to work side by side with the states commodity groups and get to know them on a much more detailed level,” Rachel said. “It’s an honor and a blessing because I get to learn so much and have fun at the same time.”

While she is new to the PIE Center, Rachel is no stranger to the Agricultural Education and Communication Department. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation in 2008, she joined the department and obtained a master’s in Agricultural Leadership in 2010. 

As she finishes her third week with the PIE Center, staff and faculty are excited for what the future holds.

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