The IR-4 Project

At IR-4, we get to work on ALL the coolest crops. Check out these #tropicalfruits photographed by Southern Regional Field Coordinator Kristen Searer-Jones at our @UFIFAS #Homestead research site: 🐲 Dragon fruit 🔴 ✨ Miracle fruit 🍈Jackfruit 🍦🍏 Sugar apple

This winter, we visited Bohicket Farms on Wadmalaw Island, SC. Led by @CUESNews Zack Snipes, we heard from growers about the challenge of sustaining local agricultural heritage in a rapidly developing area. A key strategy? Growing high-value, niche crops like #CarolinaGoldRice.

This spring, IR-4's regional teams hosted their State Liaison Representative meetings to discuss pest challenges in each state. This time to connect around shared challenges and gaps in tools for growers helps teams prep for the Food Use Workshop. The work starts early! 🐦🪱

Nicole Soldan, Regional Field Coordinator for IR-4 at @canratmsu, took the cake for Best Photo at Work in our team's recent photo contest. Her selfie among the cherries during a residue harvest made everyone smile 🍒🤗🍒 #michigancherries #ir4project

IR-4 provided regulatory assistance for the resistant citrus rootstock now approved by @EPA to combat citrus greening. Exciting to see this tool cross the finish line! This work helps keep oranges in our juice glasses & farmers in business 🍊 ncst.at/pYzs50YRXTr

Happy #EarthDay! 🌍 We feel lucky to work in agriculture, with growers and researchers who are deeply dedicated to being stewards of the land. Get outside today and enjoy this home we share! We all have a role to play in protecting this special place for generations to come.

Lexi Thompson, an IR-4 field research director at @uidaho, won our team's recent photo contest for the "Most Difficult Crop or Matrix" category. Check out Lexi's impressive harvest of hops bines—well done, Idaho team! #usahops #uidaho

Get to know IR-4's new Executive Director, Lina Quesada-Ocampo, through our new video 🌿 Until we can introduce her in person, we invite you to learn more about her specialty crop roots her vision for IR-4. Welcome, @IR4_Director! Full video here: ncst.at/b7IH50YKnSx

Analyzing peppers and cranberries in the lab makes for a festive photo! Matt Hengel's shot took the win for Best Equipment Setup in our team's photo contest 🏆 This pic was taken in IR-4's Western Region Analytical Lab, based at @ucdavis 🙌 @a5150phd #ir4project

It's a great day to be a Florida gator! Moriah Murrin, a chemist at IR-4's @uf_ifas lab, submitted this photo to our team's recent contest. It was the winning photo in the "most interesting critter encounters" category. Thanks for introducing us to Lisa the gator, Moriah! 📷

This #WomensHistoryMonth (& every day), we’re proud to work with the incredible women who drive IR-4 forward and serve in every corner of the organization: from our new director at HQ, to our regional field & lab teams, to our advisors & stakeholders—we celebrate you! 👩‍🌾

IR-4's Southern Region and HQ leadership honored Connie Crawford with a Special Recognition Award at the NEC. Connie is known for going above and beyond in her key role as administrative assistant for IR-4’s Southern Region team at @uf_ifas 👏 Read more: ncst.at/EjFq50YAEtS

Top 👏 Tier 👏 Teamwork 👏 Thriving 👏 Through 👏 Tough 👏 Times 👏 The Western Region Analytical Lab Team @ucdavis was recognized at the NEC for their talent and commitment to moving projects forward despite significant challenges. We applaud these teammates’ service to IR-4!

Five stellar team members were honored with IR-4's Technical Service Award this year: Duane Larson (USDA-ARS), Nathan Leach (Western Region), Hannah Ross (Headquarters), Cole Smith (Southern Region) and Celeste Wheeler (North Central Region). Read more: ncst.at/CHqV50YyP57

Happy #NationalAgDay! 🚜 Today, we celebrate the specialty crop growers who fill our plates with fresh produce 🍎🥦🍊 Let's honor this day by connecting with our local ag communities: ✅ Shop at a farmers' market ✅ Take a farm tour ✅ Learn from growers' perspectives

Five team members were recently honored with IR-4's Meritorious Service Award: Joe Heil (North Central Region), Matt Hengel (Western Region), Gail Mahnken (Southern Region), Philip Moore (Headquarters) and Nazmoon Sheikh (USDA-ARS). Congrats! Read more: ncst.at/8pN450YxCze

Three outstanding team members were honored with IR-4's National Recognition of Excellence this year: Susan Bierbrunner (Data Administrator), Megan James Hickman (Assistant Regional Field Coordinator) and Leona Horst (Field Research Director). Congrats! ncst.at/ILGJ50Ywj04

Late nights & frost protection: that’s the reality for Cole Smith & our @NCState team in Castle Hayne, NC right now. This #NationalAgWeek, we’re celebrating the resilience of growers facing unpredictable spring weather. Their hard work keeps fresh produce on our plates! 🫐❄️

IR-4's Environmental Horticulture work helps keep landscapes and nurseries green and thriving, on St. Patty's day and beyond! We're lucky to do meaningful work with inspiring plant people. What do you feel lucky for today (and are you wearing your green)? 🍀🇮🇪🤑

Bringing the bounty of U.S. #SpecialtyCrops to Capitol Hill! 🏛️🍎 From @RepJimCosta’s remarks to @RepDeborahRoss' interns' visit, last week's reception was a successful night sharing IR-4's impacts. Thanks to our CLC for bringing plants, cherries, lentils & more! 🌸🍒 #ir4project