News Stories - Page 31

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census, which will be held Aug. 18 and 19 this year, received a commendation from Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp in advance of the annual event’s fifth anniversary. The governor honored the contributions of the citizen-science project to the continued health of pollinators in the region.

For Zilfina Rubio Ames, blueberry research begins after the plant is bred and in the ground. An assistant professor of horticulture in the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and a small-fruit specialist with UGA Cooperative Extension, Rubio Ames endeavors to better understand blueberry plant physiology and how it can be manipulated to increase production efficiency.

For John Salazar, his role as professor and director of the Hospitality and Food Industry Management program at the University of Georgia is “very much a full-circle moment.” Salazar, who was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, has been fascinated by the hustle and bustle of the hospitality industry for as long as he can remember.

The University of Georgia once again ranks No. 1 among U.S. universities for number of commercial products to market based on its research, according to an annual survey conducted by AUTM. For eight straight years, UGA has placed in the top two and has never appeared out of the Top 5 in the 10 years the survey has been reported by AUTM.

Five University of Georgia early-career faculty have been recognized in 2023 by the National Science Foundation’s Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER), which rewards faculty who have the potential to serve as leaders in the advancement of research and education. UGA’s newest awardees include Akram Alishahi, Amanda Frossard, Le Guan, Kevin Vogel and Krystal Williams.

To meet the needs of a rapidly changing agricultural landscape and a growing campus population, the University of Georgia Tifton campus is undergoing crucial infrastructure upgrades to bring its more than century-old facilities up to 21st-century standards. Michael Toews, assistant dean for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences on the Tifton campus, said the renovations will create an environment where faculty can thrive for the next 100 years.

A third-generation farmer, Jimmy Carter Jr. owns and operates Southern Belle Farm in McDonough, Georgia, with his son Jake, just as his father did with him a generation ago. But the operation looks a lot different than it did when Carter joined his father in business. The Carters have kept the family farm in operation for 85 years by consistently adapting and responding to changes in agriculture.

Researchers in the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences are working to engineer a better tomorrow. Faculty and staff with the CAES Office of Research are committed to discovering, innovating and delivering the science required to feed and fuel the world. Some of the most respected researchers in the world are working in our labs and teaching in our classrooms to facilitate the cutting-edge research activities that lead to better food, fuel, fiber and health for everyone.

Agriculture is dependent on nature. Even seemingly minor temperature variations have a significant impact on the precise mechanics of plants, animals and insects. As average temperatures have warmed by 3 degrees over the past century, the question remains — how will we adapt our agricultural practices to ensure that all people continue to have access to food, fiber and fuel now and in the future?