From Our Labs to Your Life
Our research is not just for scientists. We are providing farmers with transformative technology that will allow them to sustainably grow their produce, conserve their ever important water sources, and protect public health. We provide the most up-to-date information about agricultural water reuse. Our research teams are working to find innovative solutions to the growing challenges of climate change and water scarcity while maintaining compliance with the new Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Our team of Extension Specialists, from the University of Maryland and the University of Arizona’s Maricopa Agricultural Center mobilize on the ground to bring the most current information and products to growers and the communities they feed.
EXAMPLES OF ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE:
>900 adults participated in our grower-based needs assessment from Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
>25 conferences, workshops, outings and county meetings
Minimizing risks for Producers & consumers
Our high-quality programs empower growers to make educated decisions about the use of nontraditional irrigation water sources while maintaining food safety. We are also developing user-friendly, science-based educational products to demonstrate the potential benefits associated with these water sources as well as associated risks.
U.S. perceptions on water reuse and water recycling
As demands for fresh water increase, with limited supplies available, the U.S. is increasingly turning to recycled water to meet these needs. However, opinions and perceptions related to water reuse are varied in the country from complete acceptance to total rejection. Surveys show that acceptance of water reuse programs are positively influenced by an increase in water reuse knowledge, higher levels of education, and trust in technologies and water professionals.
“Research is vital to the progress, growth, and sustainability of our communities.
Extension is vital in ensuring research makes it to the communities that need it most.”
Implementing nontraditional water sources for crop irrigation
Developing relationships and strengthening trust between researchers, extension specialists, growers, and the communities they serve is essential for the success of any water reuse program. Our Cooperative Extension Specialists are available to provide information on water reuse for the irrigation of crops such as risk assessments and mitigation strategies and to provide tools and education as new research becomes available.
