The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service awarded a $124,568.75 Project Grant under the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (CFDA 10.175) to the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, Inc. This 2-year feasibility study will evaluate the viability of an innovative mobile processing concept to add value, extend shelf life, and minimize food waste for Georgia's produce farmers. The project aims to address the significant issue of 30-40% of food never reaching consumers, which is particularly acute in Georgia, the nation's third-largest producer of fresh produce. The study will explore strategies to help Georgia's 1,200 produce farmers, 90% of whom operate in the region, maximize the value of their harvests by overcoming challenges posed by seasonal market windows and buyer rejection of imperfect produce.
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