News

CAES research shows that community volunteers have significant influence over adopting climate-adaptive practices in community gardens, such as the North Fulton Community Garden in Atlanta. Above, local resident Maxwell Barton and Fulton County Cooperative Extension Agent Gabrielle LaTora pull weeds from a planting bed during a community cleaning day at the garden in 2023. (Photo by Dorothy Kozlowski/UGA) CAES News
Sustaining community gardens with climate-smart solutions
Approximately 18 million U.S. households experienced food insecurity at some point in 2023, representing more than 13% of the population. One effective solution to confront this harsh reality on the local level is community gardens, but specific effects of climatic changes like altered rainfall patterns are introducing new hurdles for many grassroots efforts dedicated to growing and producing healthy, fresh foods, according to research from the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Elizabeth Abati chose to pursue her graduate studies at UGA from among six competing universities because she wanted to work with CAES Professor Anna Scheyett supporting the Rural Georgia: Growing Stronger initiative. CAES News
CAES graduate student works with faculty mentor to support farmer well-being
The future of farming depends on the health and success of farmers. The public needs farmers and farmers need support from the public — it's a mutual relationship essential to the long-term health of agriculture and humanity. This is the principle that drew doctoral student Elizabeth Abati to the University of Georgia to advocate for farmer well-being alongside Anna Scheyett, a professor in UGA's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Rural Engagement Workshop participants in the 2023 cohort visit Hillcrest Dairy Farm to see how research has impacted dairy farming in Georgia. (Baker Owens/ UGA) CAES News
Award-winning UGA program selects 2025 cohort
A new cohort has been selected for the Rural Engagement Workshop for Academic Faculty. The award-winning interdisciplinary program leverages the community engagement experience of UGA’s public service and extension faculty to support collaborative academic research that benefits rural Georgia. The primary aim is to enhance partnerships with communities throughout Georgia by fostering collaborative, rural-focused research and scholarship.

Upcoming Events

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule is the first federally regulated standard for growing, harvesting, packing, and holding fresh produce in an effort to reduce microbial contamination and foodborne illness outbreaks. If you grow fruits or vegetables, attend a training for information about best practices, risk management, and regulatory requirements. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement.During this one-day workshop, trainers will spend approximately eight hours of instruction time covering content contained in the seven modules below.• Introduction to Produce Safety• Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training• Soil Amendments• Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use• Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)• Postharvest Handling and Sanitation• How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan Lunch will be provided! Email annie.carter1@uga.edu with any dietary restrictions and/or food allergens. We cannot make changes to the order the day of the event. Cancellation Policy For cancellations, please email efs@uga.edu.Cancellations made a week or less before the event will not be refunded. Cancellations made prior to a week before the workshop will be issued a full refund. All workshops and courses are subject to cancellation by Food Science and Technology Extension. In this case, full refunds will be issued to all who have paid registration fees. Neither The University of Georgia nor Food Science and Technology Extension are required to reimburse any expenses made by the attendee prior to cancellation except for the registration fee.
Apr 29
8:00AM - 5:00PM Produce Safety Alliance, Grower Training in Blue Ridge, GA Fannin County Family Connection, Blue Ridge
Join us to celebrate UGArden's 15th anniversary! We'll be opening up the farm on Saturday, May 3, 2025, for games, crafts, and a special farm scavenger hunt. UGArden Herbs products will be available for purchase, including herbal teas and spice blends grown and prepared at the farm. Free entry with a suggested donation of $10. Media contact: Ty Brooks, ugarden@uga.edu  
May 03
9:00AM - 1:00PM UGArden Community Day UGArden, Athens, GA
Congratulations to our graduates!
May 03
11:00AM - 12:30PM UGA-Tifton Spring '25 Graduation Reception UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center, Tifton, GA
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