Ep. 405 | Ag-Tech or Bust: Solving Florida’s Farm Labor Crisis with AI

In this insightful episode recorded live at the 2025 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Dr. Scott Angle, Senior Vice President of UF/IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) at the University of Florida. Dr. Angle shares a powerful message: Florida agriculture is facing a critical labor shortage that threatens its future, and the solution lies in treating farming like a business and embracing advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. Dr. Angle outlines UF/IFAS’s multi-pronged strategy to modernize agriculture in Florida through cutting-edge research, workforce development partnerships with state colleges, and efforts to recruit ag-tech companies to the state. He also highlights the vital role of the Cooperative Extension Service in connecting university research with real-world applications in Florida’s rural communities. This episode delivers a compelling vision of Florida as a future ag-tech hub and a reminder that innovation is not optional; it’s essential for survival. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Rural Economic Development Association (FREDA) Summit hosted at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: University of Florida IFAS