The PIE Center will again team up with the UF/IFAS Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology (CLCE) to secure recurring funding from the Florida State Legislature.

Our legislative budget request, or LBR, provides the foundation for an innovative research partnership between environmental horticulture researchers and social scientists. It focuses on protecting the economic viability of the state’s agriculture and natural resources industries.

In addition to hiring new faculty and staff, the request will secure external funding for research and Extension projects critically needed to more effectively educate and communicate with the public.

A funded LBR will help the PIE Center achieve its mission of conducting practical research to enhance public understanding and promote communication in an effort to find tested, research-based solutions to key issues.

Currently, the PIE Center is funded on a short-term basis by the IFAS senior vice president’s office, while CLCE is a previous recipient of recurring legislative funds.

The LBR was first introduced to the state legislature last year but fell victim to the state’s budget deficit, which resulted in cuts throughout the University of Florida and the public sector as a whole.

Although there was early talk of a potential budget surplus, current projections indicate another shortfall. This year’s legislative session will start on Jan. 10 because of redistricting.

IFAS lobbyist Mary Ann Gosa, however, remains cautiously optimistic. “We are going to do our best to make this happen in 2012,” she said.

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