OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The College of Central Florida (CF) has entered into a formal partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to advance agricultural education and technology through the use of uncrewed aircraft systems.

The agreement, approved by CF’s Board of Trustees on May 28, will expand opportunities for students enrolled in CF’s Agribusiness Management program. Learners at the college’s Vintage Farm Campus will benefit from hands-on experiences using autonomous aircraft and will attend guest lectures by Embry-Riddle experts focused on crop monitoring, livestock management, and precision farming.

“Expanding the college’s agribusiness training opportunities is responsive to the needs of employers,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “With our area producing nearly $400 million in agriculture exports each year and generating an economic impact of more than $4 billion through our equine industry, CF is positioned to be Florida’s top educational provider for agribusiness career training, talent development and applied research.”

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Embry-Riddle, based in Daytona Beach, will also gain access to CF facilities to support collaborative events, research efforts, and initiatives designed to build career awareness.

“This partnership represents an exciting opportunity for students to explore the intersection of aviation and agriculture in a real-world setting,” said Dr. Alan Stolzer, dean of the Embry-Riddle College of Aviation. “We look forward to engaging with the College of Central Florida community and providing meaningful experiences that inspire the next generation of uncrewed aircraft systems leaders.”

CF was certified in 2024 as a National Institute of Food and Agriculture Non-Land-Grant College of Agriculture and is one of only three Florida institutions with this designation. The Vintage Farm Campus, located on County Road 475, is the only working farm in the Florida College System.

For more about CF’s Agribusiness Management program, visit CF.edu/Agribusiness.

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