Each year, more than 1.3 billion tons of edible food is lost or wasted across the global supply chain — much after harvest but before it ever reaches a plate. Now, researchers at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and partners across North America are working to help reduce that loss in one of the most challenging agricultural environments in the world: the United Arab Emirates. Through the new international collaboration, U.S.-based postharvest specialists partnered with agricultural leaders in Abu Dhabi to strengthen local food systems, improve crop handling and storage, and train the next generation of Extension professionals — all with the goal to keep more food fresher, longer.

We have already ranked the best tomato cultivars for stacking high on a slice of bread and covered the essentials of pruning and staking to tame those wild, vining plants. Now comes the gritty middle of the growing season — when the heat bears down and the battle against pests, diseases and plant stress ensues. Whether you have only just started harvesting or are already preparing for a second planting to carry you into fall, Georgia’s hot, humid climate creates the perfect environment for problems.

For the third consecutive year, the University of Georgia ranked No. 1 among U.S. universities for number of commercial products brought to market by industry partners based on university research, according to an annual survey conducted by AUTM. These products span a range of industries including poultry vaccines, biodegradable plastics, virtual reality tools for disaster preparedness, biomedical research tools and new plant varieties of turfgrass, blueberries, wheats — and peanuts, developed by newly elected National Academy of Inventors Fellow Bill Branch — to name a few.

Georgia, traditionally known as the Peach State, is famous for its peaches, pecans and peanuts. But thanks to its mild climate, the state also supports a variety of uncommon fruits and nuts — like black walnut. In a series inspired by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension publication “Minor Fruits and Nuts in Georgia,” we’re highlighting lesser-known fruits and nuts that can thrive in Georgia home gardens.

Fifteen years ago, what is now a thriving, 10-acre teaching farm began as little more than a beat-up cattle run. Today, UGArden is not only a model of sustainable agriculture at the University of Georgia: It’s also a cherished community garden built by and for students, where they can learn to grow food organically, connect with the land and serve the broader Athens community.

Now that we’ve announced the winners of the tomato sandwich slicer showdown and your plants are taking off, it’s time to address our first tomato gardening issue: supporting unwieldy tomato plants through staking and pruning. For the best chance at productive plants with healthy fruit, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension consumer horticulturalist Bob Westerfield urges home gardeners to invest in providing plants a strong support structure all season long. “No other vegetable comes close to bearing as much produce in such a limited space,” Westerfield said.