Attapulgus Research and Education Center

254 N. Griffin Avenue, Attapulgus, Georgia 39815

Superintendent

Amilcar Vargas

Amilcar.Vargas@uga.edu 229-522-3623

Syngenta Grower Appreciation Day

Syngenta vegetable seed company hosted a grower appreciation day at the Attapulgus Research Center on Friday, November 17, 2023. Local growers had the opportunity to enjoy a great meal provided by Syngenta and take part in a field tour of Syngenta’s latest sweetcorn varieties. Syngenta was represented by several members of their research and development team as well as several members of their sales team. We here at the Attapulgus Research Center and the University of Georgia were pleased to be a part of such a great event.

Our Work and Priorities

The Attapulgus Research and Education Center is located in the southwest corner of Georgia, about five miles north of the state line. Established in 1939, the center continues to help support area farmers by researching crops that can be adapted to the sandy coastal plain soil and local weather conditions.

Current trials are conducted on major agronomic crops including peanuts, corn, cotton and soybeans and horticultural crops like watermelons, peaches and pecans. Regardless of the crop, the warm, humid climate is ideal for major agricultural insect, weed, nematode and disease problems. This provides a unique setting for UGA researchers to develop novel pest management strategies and tactics, and to screen new crop varieties for pest resistance.

Additional long term research includes soil fertility experiments, crop rotation studies, and ecological research to look at the impact of native wildflowers on crop production. Much of the research is conducted with either center pivot or with drip irrigation systems. Five full-time employees operate the facility and also partner with the nearby Decatur County Extension Office.

About us

We investigate the latest production and technological practices, striving for producer profitability and sustainability.

Research and Education Centers (RECs) are hubs for innovation and discovery that address the most critical issues facing agricultural production throughout the state. Ultimately, our findings are shared with stakeholders through the extension and outreach efforts of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Agricultural Research Centers in Georgia Find your local county Extension Office

USDA Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins (center) joins Georgia agricultural leaders, producers and UGA CAES leadership at the college's Iron Horse Farm for a listening session on key industry challenges, including disaster relief, trade markets and the future of American farming. (Photo by Georgia Department of Agriculture)

CAES News

USDA Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visits CAES for farmer listening session

United States Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited the Iron Horse Farm at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences earlier this month for a listening session with Georgia’s agricultural leaders and the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

CAES News

CAES horticulture professor among eight UGA faculty named NAI Senior Members

The National Academy of Inventors has selected eight University of Georgia researchers as 2025 NAI Senior Members, surpassing its own record of five inductees set last year.

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CAES Events

Join us April 22nd for the Tifton H.E.R.D. Sale!

Apr 22

12:30PM - 3:30PM Tifton H.E.R.D. Sale UGA Tifton Bull Evaluation Center, Chula, GA

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule is the first federally regulated standard for growing, harvesting, packing, and holding fresh produce in an effort to reduce microbial contamination and foodborne illness outbreaks. If you grow fruits or vegetables, attend a training for information about best practices, risk management, and regulatory requirements. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement.During this one-day workshop, trainers will spend approximately eight hours of instruction time covering content contained in the seven modules below.• Introduction to Produce Safety• Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training• Soil Amendments• Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use• Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)• Postharvest Handling and Sanitation• How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan Lunch will be provided! Email annie.carter1@uga.edu with any dietary restrictions and/or food allergens. We cannot make changes to the order the day of the event. Cancellation Policy For cancellations, please email efs@uga.edu.Cancellations made a week or less before the event will not be refunded. Cancellations made prior to a week before the workshop will be issued a full refund. All workshops and courses are subject to cancellation by Food Science and Technology Extension. In this case, full refunds will be issued to all who have paid registration fees. Neither The University of Georgia nor Food Science and Technology Extension are required to reimburse any expenses made by the attendee prior to cancellation except for the registration fee.

Apr 29

8:00AM - 5:00PM Produce Safety Alliance, Grower Training in Blue Ridge, GA Fannin County Family Connection, Blue Ridge

Pest management in the deep south