The Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) at Lake Alfred was established in 1917 as the Citrus Experiment Station. Researchers at this facility worked alongside Florida’s citrus pioneers to develop a billion-dollar industry for processed juice and fresh fruit.
Station scientists made key discoveries and technological advancements pivotal to the industry’s development including new citrus varieties, freeze protection methods, disease control and the invention of frozen concentrate orange juice. These innovations ensure CREC’s place in history.
The oldest of the University of Florida’s off-campus agricultural centers, CREC grew to be the largest facility in the world devoted to a single agricultural commodity and houses the world’s largest citrus library.
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