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Published on 03/28/13

New fruit specialist hired at UGA-Tifton campus

By Clint Thompson

Blueberry expert Erick Smith was recently hired by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences as a fruit specialist for southern Georgia on the Tifton Campus.

In his new position, he’ll spend 80 percent of his time working with fruit farmers on critical issues affecting the industry and blueberry production. He’ll spend the other 20 percent of his time researching ways to make fruit production more efficient in south Georgia.

“This is a very important hire for the Georgia fruit industries, especially the blueberry industry,” said Douglas Bailey, a professor and head of the UGA Department of the Horticulture in Athens. “The retirement of Dr. (Gerard) Krewer a few years ago has left a large void in support for our fruit growers. We are very excited to have been able to attract someone of such high caliber as Dr. Smith.”

According to the UGA Center for Agribusiness Farm Gate Value Report, blueberries were the highest selling fruit in Georgia in 2011. They were grown on more than 21,000 acres and raked in a farm gate value of $254 million.

“Over the last 20 years, blueberry research has explored the fruit’s nutritional benefits,” Smith said.

Blueberries have significant levels of antioxidants (anti-cancer metabolites).

“The public has responded positively, as seen by the demand in Georgia and worldwide,” he said. Competition has the industry looking for efficiencies in production that would reduce input costs, he said. Growers have specifically expressed to Smith a need for help identifying pests, diseases and cultural management.

“Right now, as I understand it from my conversations with people in the blueberry industry, many farmers worry about market saturation, which can lower returns to the farm,” Smith said. “This allows for many opportunities to develop a program focused on plant health, production efficiencies and fruit quality. I see, going forward, very exciting challenges.”

With $108 million and 7,875 acres, Bacon County sold more blueberries in 2011 than any county in Georgia.

Smith was a research associate at Washington State University prior to moving to Georgia. His appointment at UGA takes affect April 1.

Clint Thompson is an agriculture writer based in Tifton, Georgia.

Authors:
Clint Thompson
Experts/Sources:
Erick Smith
Erick Smith was recently hired by the University of Georgia as a fruit specialist.
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