Browse Environment Stories

Long before a ripe blueberry makes it into a grocery cart or muffin mix, a native bee has likely played a quiet but critical role in its journey. Now, thanks to a robust study on wild bee diversity in blueberry fields, we know more about just how essential those wild pollinators are to one of the state’s most valuable fruit crops. Sarah Rezende, a doctoral candidate in entomology at the University of Georgia, is working to uncover what Georgia’s wild bees need to thrive — and how their movements shape the productivity of commercial blueberry farms.

University of Georgia Center for Food Safety researcher Issmat Kassem has dedicated nearly two decades to studying antimicrobial resistance, identified by the World Health Organization as a top-10 public health threat to humanity. Kassem was recently recognized as a ScholarGPS Highly Ranked Scholar for his research studying antimicrobial resistance in water and food. Hear directly from Kassem in this Q&A about his work to protect public health from this ongoing threat.

In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we dive into the science behind composting with two University of Georgia Cooperative Extension experts — what composting is, why it matters and how you can start doing it right at home. Whether you’re new to composting or looking to improve your bin game, this episode breaks down the basics, offers beginner-friendly tips and shares the real-life benefits of turning your food scraps into nutrient-rich soil. Plus, learn how composting can save you money and help the planet, one banana peel at a time.

Calling all chicken wranglers: If you raise free-range or pastured chickens on your commercial farm, researchers at the University of Georgia want to know what your feathered friends are eating. To find out, the research team at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences wants your chicken poop for the Chicken Ecology and Ecosystem Services, or ChickEES, study.

The senior 4-H team from Bleckley County took home first place at the Georgia 4-H State Wildlife Judging Contest held April 27 at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. Team members Rebekah Crosby, Benjamin Agnew and Maggie Powell earned the prestigious title of Georgia Master 4-H’ers.

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.

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins visited UGA’s Iron Horse Farm for a listening session with Georgia agricultural leaders. Producers and commodity representatives shared concerns on disaster relief, labor shortages, trade and the future of farming. They also highlighted the vital role of CAES researchers and UGA Cooperative Extension in boosting efficiency, yields, and food safety, strengthening Georgia’s agricultural economy.

You’ve probably heard of the U.S. Farm Bill, but do you know what it is? While it may seem like it only affects farmers, this complex legislation impacts everyone — whether you buy groceries, care about conservation or rely on nutrition programs. Yet, despite its broad reach, it remains one of the most misunderstood laws in the country. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agricultural economist Amanda Smith, a faculty member in UGA’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, breaks down some of the most common questions about this complex but crucial bill.

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.