PRESS RELEASE
OCALA, FL—The College of Central Florida has officially renamed its farm campus the Center for Agricultural Innovation at Vintage Farm. Approved at the December 3, 2025 meeting of the District Board of Trustees, the name reflects the college’s commitment to advancing innovation in agriculture and equine education, recognizing the campus’ growing focus on precision agriculture, emerging technologies and forward-thinking workplace preparation that aligns with the future of Florida’s agricultural economy.
The new name honors the legacy of Vintage Farm, as the location at 4020 S.E. Third Ave, Ocala, has been known since the 103-acre working farm was gifted to the college by an anonymous donor in 2017.
“Changing the name to the Center for Agricultural Innovation at Vintage Farm represents our dedication to the rapidly changing world of agriculture,” said Dr. John D. Ash, CF dean of Business, technology and agricultural sciences. “CF is preparing future generations with the tools, technologies and experiences they need to be successful in an industry that is being driven by innovation, precision agriculture and partnerships that shape the future of food, sustainability and workforce development.”
CF will launch the state’s first Associate in Science degree in Precision Agriculture at the Center for Agricultural Innovation at Vintage Farm in August 2026, providing hands-on education including cutting-edge drone and semiautonomous tractor technologies. The campus is the home of the college’s Agribusiness and Equine Studies programs and serves as a hub for collaboration with partners such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, UF/IFAS and the Florida High Tech Corridor, supporting applied research, autonomous systems, data-driven agriculture and advanced equine studies.
“College of Central Florida is proud to be leading the way in agriculture education to prepare students for the high-tech agriculture workforce of today and tomorrow,” said Dr. Jennifer Fryns, CF vice president of workforce innovation and technology. “Our graduates are well prepared to meet the demand for highly skilled professionals in Florida’s second largest industry.”
For more information, visit CF.edu/Farm.
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