Research Departments

Founded in 1928, the University of Georgia Agricultural and Applied Economics Department has continued to meet the needs of its students and clientele by adapting and changing its academic, research and Extension programs. Research in the department focuses on areas like marketing, management, policy, economic development, and natural resource and environmental economics. Research projects focus on water use efficiency and conservation, sustainable agricultural systems, policy, trade and market analysis, animal waste and water management, and land-use planning.

Crop and soil scientists are responsible for the world's food, feed, and fiber supply, and for conserving soil and water resources. Their goals are to provide the best educational programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels; conduct innovative basic and applied research programs in the crop, soil, turf, and environmental sciences; and to provide superior service to their clientele.

The Department of Entomology offers a wide range of research opportunities. Their goal is to support and encourage students who are preparing for careers as scientists in federal, state, or industrial laboratories or in academic institutions, by providing them with as broad a background as possible in the many facets of insect biology. In addition to training in modern methodologies of classical entomology, the Department has special emphasis areas in evolutionary biology, genomics, host pathogen relationships/vector biology, biotechnology, and applied ecology and integrated pest management.

Food Science and Technology faculty have expertise in the basic sciences, food science, and food technology. Faculty members conduct food science research to improve food quality and availability, enhance economic development, prevent foodborne diseases, and improve process efficiency while limiting environmental impact.

The mission of the Horticulture Department is to develop and disseminate new knowledge through student education leading to the improvement and facilitation of cost-effective and profitable production, postharvest handling, and utilization of horticultural commodities and services in a concerted effort to conserve natural resources while protecting and enhancing the environment.

The focus and strength of the Plant Pathology Department is the applied areas of plant health management covering the diverse crops produced in Georgia and the Southeast. The impact of diseases in Georgia is significant. These programs emphasize both research that can readily be translated into disease management programs as well as fundamental investigations to understand the continued communication between a plant and pathogen that may or may not lead to a disease.