Florida-Grown Coffee? How UF Scientists Are Using AI To Serve Up the Possibilities

Most of the world’s coffee is grown in tropical regions. However, a changing climate could allow coffee to grow farther north — for example, in Florida.  

To understand how that might work, scientists at the University of Florida are already growing coffee plants at the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit, about 30 minutes south of the main UF campus in Gainesville. This research could one day produce a morning cup of joe with origins in the Sunshine State. 

A collaboration between the UF Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and UF/IFAS, this project is funded by a grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. 

“We believe that there is the potential for coffee as a novel crop in Florida,” said Diane Rowland, chair of the agronomy department and UF/IFAS’ research lead on the project. 

Learn more about Florida-Grown Coffee? How UF Scientists Are Using AI To Serve Up the Possibilities.