By University of Georgia
On April 29, Gov. Sonny Perdue signed a bill to allow Georgia’s horticulture industry to hold a referendum to create a commodity commission for ornamental horticulture. Town hall-type meetings will be held across the state to give producers a chance to learn more about the program, the way it would operate and the people who would be elected to shape the program’s future. The meeting dates and locations are: June 9 - Sugar Hill Nurseries, 2122 Highway 341 South, Yatesville, Ga., 31097 June 11 - Wakoola Water Gardens, 5235 Union Hill Rd, Cumming, Ga., 30040 June 16 - Casa Mexico, 311 GA Hwy 49 North, Byron, Ga., 31008 June 17 - Ag Center, 65 11th Avenue, NE, Cairo, Ga., 39828 June 18 - ABAC, Horticulture Building, Tifton, Ga., 31793 June 23 - Christ Church at Whitewater, 1577 Highway 85 South, Fayetteville, Ga., 30215 June 30- Jasper Extension Office, 109 Depot Street, Jasper, Ga., 30143 All producers of ornamental horticulture products are encouraged to attend, regardless of their operation’s size. Meetings will begin at 6 p.m. with a complementary cookout. For directions to the meetings or to learn more, go to the Web site www.gahortcommission.org.Published on 06/04/09
New commission may be on horizon
CAES News
CAES researcher Robin Buell is advancing plant genomics for a sustainable future
Meet Robin Buell, Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar Chair in Crop Genomics. Buell's research at the University of Georgia focuses on unlocking the full potential of plants to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. By studying their genomes, she aims to improve agricultural efficiency, develop sustainable biofuels, and create crops that thrive in changing environments.
CAES News
Volunteers keep UGA Extension connected to communities
In addition to its experts throughout the state, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is powered by thousands of volunteers who give generously to extend program impact and reach in support of UGA Extension missions. Throughout National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 20-26, UGA Extension will host special events that highlight the volunteers who have donated their time to facilitate 4-H, Master Gardener, and Family and Consumer Sciences programming.
CAES News
Lady Belle wins 2025 Flavor of Georgia food product contest
A baked good secured the top spot at the 2025 Flavor of Georgia food product competition, beating out a record 173 products submitted in 12 categories. Sunday Dinner Griscuits, produced by Lady Belle, is a French gougeres, or cheese puff, stuffed with macaroni and cheese flavored grits with collard greens and smoked turkey. Lady Belle is a French-Southern fusion micro-bakery specializing in handcrafted Parisian style macarons, Belle (Signature) Macarons and savory Gritscuits.
CAES News
Your ultimate guide to healthy garden soil
Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive and beautiful garden, providing essential nutrients, proper drainage and the right balance of air and moisture for plant roots to flourish. Whether you're preparing a brand-new garden bed or revitalizing existing soil, understanding its composition and how to improve it will set your plants up for success. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension consumer horticulturist Bob Westerfield provides guidance on ensuring your garden soil is ready to provide fruitful vegetables this summer.
CAES News
Community science counts: Census meets storytelling
Six years after founding the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, Becky Griffin held something remarkable in her hands — a children’s book inspired by the project she built from the ground up. "The Great Pollinator Count," written by Susan Richmond and published by Peachtree Publishing, is set to hit physical and digital bookshelves on April 15. The book celebrates the power of community science, pollinator conservation, and the educators and students who bring it all to life.
CAES News
Three UGA undergraduates awarded Goldwater Scholarship
From crop molecular genetics to estuarine mussels to computer experiments, three University of Georgia undergraduates have been honored for furthering research in their fields of study. Juniors Oscar de la Torre, Anderson Smith and Sloka Sudhin are among the 441 undergraduates from across the nation to be recognized as Barry Goldwater Scholars this spring. They have earned the highest undergraduate award of its type for the fields of mathematics, engineering and natural sciences.
