Zoila Chevez, Data Analyst Research Associate, recently published an article in Food Protection Trends, in collaboration with researchers from Auburn University, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and Tuskegee University. The study explores the food safety challenges faced by small specialty crop growers in Alabama and highlights opportunities to better support them.
Highlights:
- Alabama has over 2,000 produce farms, but limited data is currently available on their food safety needs.
- In response, a two-phase study was designed to assess growers’ needs and develop practical, on-farm solutions.
- The first phase of study identified key challenges related to agricultural water, leading to the development of the AgWater Safety Program, an Alabama Extension initiative focused on providing educational assistance and free microbial water testing.
- To date, the AgWater Safety Program, led by PI Camila Rodrigues, has already supported several growers across the state through free water testing and outreach.
To read the full article, click here.