Georgia Cooperative Extension provides the nationally recognized and accredited ServSafe® training for foodservice managers from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (FRAEF). Upon successful completion of the ServSafe® examination, the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager certificate will be issued by the NRAEF. Workshops are offered in multiple locations throughout the state; see each training’s contact for details.

Oct 18

8:30AM - 5:00PM ServSafe® Manager Certification Training and Exam Madison County Shiloh Community Fire Department, Danielsville, GA

Isabel leads the Texas A&M Potato Breeding Program. The goal of the program is to develop high-yielding potato varieties, mainly for the fresh and chipping markets, adapted to Texas growing conditions. She combines conventional and molecular tools to enhance the efficiency of potato breeding efforts and to maximize genetic gains from selection. Isabel Vales received her Licentiate Degree (and Degree Thesis) in Biological Sciences (specialization in molecular biology) from the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, in 1992, and her Doctorate in Biology (maize breeding and genetics) from the University of Vigo, Spain (1996) in collaboration with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). She worked as Post-doctoral Research Associate (maize genetics) at the University of Minnesota from 1997 to 1998. From 1999 to 2005, Research Assistant Professor (cereal genetics) at Oregon State University. From 2005 to 2010, she led the Oregon Potato Variety Development Program (Associate Professor - potato breeding and Genetics) and the Oregon Potato Foundation Program. From 2010 to 2012, she was Principal Scientist (pigeonpea breeding and genetics) at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), India. She worked as an Independent Scientific Advisor from 2013 to 2016 in Washington State and joined Texas A&M in 2017. Isabel participated in the release of more than 24 potato varieties, including specialty types with high levels of antioxidants, and published more than 70 referee papers. She has been active in undergraduate and graduate teaching (potato production, plant physiology, molecular breeding) and training. Seminar Location: CAGT room 128 Athens; and via zoom at Tifton and Griffin campuses. Note: Zoom meeting ID will be sent out prior to the seminar.

Oct 21

4:00PM - 5:00PM IPBGG SEMINAR: Development of Climate-change-ready Potato Varieties to Overcome Heat Stress by Dr. Isabel Vales Center For Applied Genetic Technologies, ATHENS, GA

Dr. Matthew Clark is an Associate Professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at the University of Minnesota. He has a three-way appoint and also serves as Director of Research for the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Dr. Clark leads the grape breeding and enology program at the University of Minnesota. His research project focuses on linking important traits to the grape genome to better understand gene function and equally important to improve the plant breeding process. His lab has focused on novelty like variegated leaves, as well as insect (phylloxera) and disease (powdery mildew) resistance. He has an ongoing project studying flavor and aroma compounds using GCMS and sensory analysis. Dr. Clark is a collaborator in the VitsGen project that has investigated several marker systems in grape for use in genetic mapping as well as marker assisted selection. Dr. Clark earned his graduate degrees from Minnesota studying first turf grass for his Masters and the apple for his PhD. Seminar Location: CAGT room 128 Athens; and via zoom at Tifton and Griffin campuses. Note: Zoom meeting ID will be sent out prior to the seminar.

Nov 04

4:00PM - 5:00PM IPBGG SEMINAR: Modern Grape Breeding, using DNA Markers to Enrich the Selection Process by Matthew Clark Center For Applied Genetic Technologies, ATHENS, GA

Join us for this FREE event that allows high school and potential college transfer students interested in science, technology, animals, and more for a day with UGA Department of Poultry Science faculty as they showcase their specialty in the poultry science and avian biology industries through various interactive sessions. Registration is required for attendance.

Nov 12

9:15AM - 2:00PM Open House Event - Dept. of Poultry Science UGA Poultry Research Center, Athens, GA