Jim Evans rises before the sun for his commute to work, not even passing a stoplight on his drive to The Cliffs at Keowee Falls, a golf community in rural South Carolina. He starts each day doing the thing he loves most — mowing the greens.

Each year, more than 1.3 billion tons of edible food is lost or wasted across the global supply chain — much after harvest but before it ever reaches a plate. Now, researchers at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and partners across North America are working to help reduce that loss in one of the most challenging agricultural environments in the world: the United Arab Emirates. Through the new international collaboration, U.S.-based postharvest specialists partnered with agricultural leaders in Abu Dhabi to strengthen local food systems, improve crop handling and storage, and train the next generation of Extension professionals — all with the goal to keep more food fresher, longer.

Georgia 4-H recognized the achievements of youth participants, adult leaders and community supporters during the annual 4-H State Congress, held July 23–26 at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta. This weeklong capstone event featured state-level competition in Project Achievement and Leadership in Action for top 4-H’ers from across the state.

In Winterville, Georgia, a small market grew into a movement. Meet the people behind the Marigold Collective, where farmers, volunteers and neighbors band together to transform fresh food into shared growth. With support from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Marigold Collective is working to make local food more accessible while creating economic opportunities for small agribusinesses.

We have already ranked the best tomato cultivars for stacking high on a slice of bread and covered the essentials of pruning and staking to tame those wild, vining plants. Now comes the gritty middle of the growing season — when the heat bears down and the battle against pests, diseases and plant stress ensues. Whether you have only just started harvesting or are already preparing for a second planting to carry you into fall, Georgia’s hot, humid climate creates the perfect environment for problems.

Earlier this year, commercial beekeepers across the U.S. faced unprecedented winter colony losses, with some reporting over 60% of hives perishing — more than double the typical overwintering loss rates. Hobbyists and sideliners — those who keep bees as a secondary source of income — also saw catastrophic declines, with total economic impacts to beekeepers estimated at over $600 million. Now, scientists are linking the losses to high viral loads and mite resistance as they work to develop solutions to protect the industry moving forward.