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Welcome to the 35th annual Spring Garden Packet from the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Written by CAES faculty, editors and graduate and undergraduate students, these articles are provided to help you with timely, valuable statewide gardening information.

Georgia’s green industry has suffered for several years under the strain of drought and related water restrictions. Continued economic woes, especially in the troubled housing industry, dampened recovery. But the future looks sunnier, according to a University of Georgia economist.

Outrage from recent food safety incidents – which range from E. coli in spinach to salmonella in peanut paste and jalapeño and serrano peppers – has driven state and national leaders to take action, making the coming year one for some major food policy changes, said Mike Doyle, director of the University of Georgia Center for Food Safety in Griffin, Ga.

Last year, most commodity prices dropped by 10 percent, leaving Georgia farmers facing their first significant decline in farm gate value in a decade. University of Georgia economists say 2010 should be a better year for them.

Since Dec. 1, Georgians have experienced abnormally cold and wet weather, resulting in very high heating demands across the state.

University of Georgia researcher Gary Hawkins looks at rotting fruits and vegetables differently than most people. Where they may see useless balls of moldy fuzz, he sees fuel.

Don’t box up those old Christmas tree lights just yet. Along with old blankets, quilts and cardboard boxes, they could be the key to keeping tender plants from freezing this winter.

During the holidays, we scour the stores for the newest gadgets and electronics to give as gifts. But, some people forget new animatronic animals and game system remotes need batteries to operate.

The Vidalia onion is Georgia’s official state vegetable and No. 1 fresh vegetable crop. Like any major crop, it has its fair share of problems – ones University of Georgia researchers want to fix.

On March 16, the University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development will reveal the winners of the 2010 Flavor of Georgia contest. As part of Georgia Ag Day, Gov. Sonny Perdue will present awards for top products and a grand prize for the overall winner.