After four years and two vetoes by Gov. Rick Scott, ground broke on Monday for the new beekeeping research lab at UF.
Last year, the state granted UF $2 million, with the requirements that the university match that amount with $500,000 and the beekeepers raise an additional $200,000.
Jamie Ellis, UF associate professor of entomology, said although the expected amount totaled $2.7 million, all contributing parties went above and beyond, eventually gathering about $4 million for the construction of the research lab.
The new honey bee laboratory, which will be built near Steinmetz Hall, provides ample research and learning opportunities for both UF students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and beekeepers across the state, Ellis said.
“It will be research projects focused on honey bee health, extension aimed at helping beekeepers directly and then instructional efforts in training new students in our beekeeping courses,” Ellis said.
Although nothing is currently in place, the college is hoping to develop a beekeeping certificate within the UF curriculum.
Cameron Jack, a third-year entomology doctoral student, welcomes the new opportunities and professional networking that will come with a new, top-notch facility.
“That’s a big positive because it will allow me to have collaborations with these scientists and meet and work with a lot of these people,” the 29-year-old said.
