Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center

Ray Covington Superintendent

706-745-2655

Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center

195 Georgia Mountain Experiment Station Rd., Blairsville, GA, 30512

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Our Work and Priorities

The Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center lies in the uppermost part of the state in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Established in 1930, the 415-acre station provides research support for agriculture specialists who in turn, provide support to producers in the mountain region, giving them information applicable to the area with its own distinct soil and climatic conditions. The campus resides in USDA Zone 7A, having a shorter 180-day growing season with an average rainfall of 57 inches.

Current research focuses on commodities including apples, grapes, blueberries, field corn, sweet corn, soybeans, fescue, clover, orchard grass, alfalfa, ryegrass, tomatoes, and various ornamentals. The climate is perfect for evaluating cold hardiness for new cultivars that include Alfalfa, Crape Myrtle, Vitex, Abelia, Bermuda, Centipede, and Zoysia turf grasses. Additionally, UGA graduate students often conduct their research at the center. To learn more, check out the Virtual Field Day where you will hear from scientists and the work they do here at GMREC.

Most of the campus is closed to visitors except during designated tours but there are gardens the public can visit. Visitors can check in at the office and then tour the ethnobotanical gardens.

If you need assistance with soil testing, landscape and/or farming decisions, contact your local county agent. Jacob Williams is teh UGA Extension Agent for Union & Towns Counties. Union County Extension Office.

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.

Agricultural Research Centers in Georgia Find your local county Extension Office

CAES News

Your ultimate guide to healthy garden soil 04/17/25

Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive and beautiful garden, providing essential nutrients, proper drainage and the right balance of air and moisture for plant roots to flourish. Whether you're preparing a brand-new garden bed or revitalizing existing soil, understanding its composition and how to improve it will set your plants up for success. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension consumer horticulturist Bob Westerfield provides guidance on ensuring your garden soil is ready to provide fruitful vegetables this summer.

CAES News

Community science counts: Census meets storytelling 04/15/25

Six years after founding the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, Becky Griffin held something remarkable in her hands — a children’s book inspired by the project she built from the ground up. "The Great Pollinator Count," written by Susan Richmond and published by Peachtree Publishing, is set to hit physical and digital bookshelves on April 15. The book celebrates the power of community science, pollinator conservation, and the educators and students who bring it all to life.

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CAES Events

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule is the first federally regulated standard for growing, harvesting, packing, and holding fresh produce in an effort to reduce microbial contamination and foodborne illness outbreaks. If you grow fruits or vegetables, attend a training for information about best practices, risk management, and regulatory requirements. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement.During this one-day workshop, trainers will spend approximately eight hours of instruction time covering content contained in the seven modules below.• Introduction to Produce Safety• Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training• Soil Amendments• Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use• Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)• Postharvest Handling and Sanitation• How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan Lunch will be provided! Email annie.carter1@uga.edu with any dietary restrictions and/or food allergens. We cannot make changes to the order the day of the event. Cancellation Policy For cancellations, please email efs@uga.edu.Cancellations made a week or less before the event will not be refunded. Cancellations made prior to a week before the workshop will be issued a full refund. All workshops and courses are subject to cancellation by Food Science and Technology Extension. In this case, full refunds will be issued to all who have paid registration fees. Neither The University of Georgia nor Food Science and Technology Extension are required to reimburse any expenses made by the attendee prior to cancellation except for the registration fee.

Apr 29

8:00AM - 5:00PM Produce Safety Alliance, Grower Training in Blue Ridge, GA Fannin County Family Connection, Blue Ridge

Top Hand Finals - Forsyth, GA

May 03

All Day Top Hand Contest - State Finals

Join us for the 25th Annual Calhoun H.E.R.D. Sale!

May 28

12:30PM - 3:00PM Calhoun H.E.R.D. Sale NW GA Livestock Pavilion, Calhoun

Agricultural innovation in the Appalachian Mountains