Ferrarezi Lab of CEA at UGA

Wrapping up an incredible second and final week of the UGA CAES Mediterranean Study Abroad program in Valencia, Spain! 🇪🇸

Our final days were packed with hands-on learning as we dove deeper into the region's agricultural practices. We had the opportunity to explore organic fruit production, tour a pre-prepared meals processing plant operating without chemical preservatives, and learn the traditional art of cheese making. We also got an up-close look at local rice production and aquaculture, and capped it off with olive oil production and a fantastic tasting session. 🫒🍊

We are already going to miss Valencia—especially the yummy and healthy Mediterranean food, the vibrant & welcoming lifestyle, and the rich culture.

A huge thank you to UPV and Claudio José Benavent Montoliu for running such a phenomenal, well-organized program. We also want to express our gratitude to our friends at NCSU, Ricardo Hernandez, and Jose Cisneros, for the wonderful company and collaboration along the way.

See you in 2028, Valencia! ✈️🌍 Rhuanito Ferrarezi & Leonardo Lombardi

Passing this along: Gotham Greens is hiring an intern if you have any good candidates in mind:

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🇪🇸 Hola from Valencia! A Week into Our Mediterranean Journey 🍊

​Last Saturday, a squad of 13 UGA students and 2 Professors touched down in sunny Valencia, Spain! We represent a colorful mix of different majors, but we all share one massive appetite for learning, exploring, and of course, eating.

​We have officially kicked off our study abroad program, and we are diving headfirst into everything this beautiful city has to offer.

​🥘 What We Are Exploring

​Our time here is about understanding the deep connection between people, history, and their plates. Here is a look at what we are diving into:

● ​Global Food Systems: We are tracing how food moves from the fertile Spanish soil straight to the mesa (table), learning about sustainable agriculture and local markets.

● ​Vibrant Culture: From stunning architecture to the daily rhythm of the siesta, we are immersing ourselves in the rich, complex history of the Valencian Community.

● ​The Mediterranean Lifestyle: We are decoding the world-famous Mediterranean diet. More importantly, we are exploring the why behind what they eat. It is not just about olive oil, vine, turrón, citrus, aromatic herbs, and fresh seafood; it is about the pace of life, the importance of community, and the tradition of savoring every single bite with good company.

​"The Mediterranean diet is not just a list of ingredients; it is a way of life."

​We are already falling in love with the local culture, surviving our first attempts at navigating the city, and eating our weight in authentic Valencian paella.

​Stay tuned as we continue to eat, study, and explore our way through Spain. ¡Hasta luego!

​ FoodSystems .soranz

Nice article from ASHS about the research we do at our lab: https://ashs.org/news/725858/Key-Environmental-Strategies-to-Improve-Leafy-Green-Production-in-Controlled-Environment-Agriculture.htm

Key Environmental Strategies to Improve Leafy Green Production in Controlled Environment Agriculture - ASHS Athens, GA – New research is shedding light on how careful management of oxygen levels, lighting conditions, airflow, and nutrient solutions can significantly improve leafy green production in hydroponic and vertical farming systems. The findings, drawn from several recent studies, offer practical...