Our Work and Priorities

The University of Georgia created the Stripling Irrigation Research Park (SIRP) to be an innovative irrigation research and education center. The park is an easily accessible facility to offer assistance for farmers in irrigation management as well as to provide general information to the public regarding the role of water in the regional economy.

Scientists, engineers, and extension specialists collaborate with the staff and administration of the park to define crop water needs and improve food, feed, and fiber production using efficient irrigation methods. Industry partners are able to test equipment and water conservation strategies for Georgia under the objective eye of the college’s researchers. SIRP provides educational opportunities and demonstrations for farmers, irrigation companies, as well as students in local technical colleges and universities. Additionally, we often collaborate with the local Mitchell County Extension Office staff. 

Agricultural water conservation is at the forefront of topics in southwest Georgia with the increasing frequency of drought periods and increasing water demands throughout the Apalachicola – Chattahoochee – Flint (ACF) River Basin. Thus, the mission of the Stripling Park has included conservation ideals since its inception. With the ongoing “water wars” over water flow and demand in the ACF River Basin, maximizing efficiency and conservation efforts in this region has become a priority.

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.
Food insecurity, indicated by a lack of consistent access to nutritious foods, continues to affect Georgia families and poses unique obstacles to charitable food assistance programs trying to address the need. CAES News
Unprecedented hunger study addresses gaps in food assistance programs
Food insecurity, indicated by a lack of consistent access to nutritious foods, continues to affect Georgia families and poses unique obstacles to charitable food assistance programs trying to address the need. The 2023 Georgia Hunger Study, conducted by an interdisciplinary team of University of Georgia researchers in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Human Services and Feeding Georgia, found that 79% of households utilizing charitable food agencies reported experiencing food insecurity.
CAES virologist Malak Esseili has found that certain teas inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in saliva — in some cases by up to 99.9%. This matters because the virus infects and replicates inside the oral cavity, passing through the oropharynx before reaching the lungs. CAES News
Can a cup of tea keep COVID away?
New research from the University of Georgia suggests that something as simple as a cup of tea can help in the fight against COVID-19. Tea has been renowned globally for its many health benefits, and Malak Esseili, a virologist with the University of Georgia Center for Food Safety in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, wanted to know if it may also affect SARS-CoV-2.

CAES Events

The 2024 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest is on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at the Classic Center in Athens, GA. Join us for the Reception and Awards Ceremony from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Tickets to attend can be purchased for $20.00. Tickets are required for access. The reception is a great opportunity to sample the products and meet the Flavor of Georgia Finalists. At the 2024 reception, there will be three finalists from each of the twelve product categories. Be sure to join us for this fun and exciting gastronomic experience! Products may not be purchased or sold during Flavor of Georgia. Immediately following the reception will be the 2024 Flavor of Georgia Awards Ceremony. All attendees are invited to watch as winners are selected from each of the twelve categories, leading up to the awarding of the 2024 Flavor of Georgia Grand Prize. Tickets are required for entry to the award ceremony as well.  Flavor of Georgia tickets do not include parking fees at the Classic Center.
Apr 04
4:00PM - 6:00PM 2024 Flavor of Georgia Classic Center, Athens, GA
Join us for an esteemed celebration of excellence at the UGA CAES Alumni Association Awards and Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Taking place on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at The Classic Center in Athens, GA, the event kicks off with registration at 11:00 a.m., followed by the prestigious awards and luncheon at 12:00 p.m. Embrace the spirit of achievement as we honor outstanding alumni and induct remarkable individuals into the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame. Don't miss this opportunity to commemorate the legacy of excellence in agriculture and connect with fellow enthusiasts in the heart of Georgia's historic agricultural hub.    
Apr 06
11:00AM - 2:00PM UGA CAES Alumni Association Awards and Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Georgia Center For Continuing Education, ATHENS, GA
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