UT Institute of Agriculture Presents Top Faculty and Staff Awards for 2023
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture recognized some of its top faculty, staff, researchers and Extension experts at UTIA’s annual awards and promotions luncheon on the UTIA campus in Knoxville on August 15, 2023. Many of the awards are gifts made possible by faculty, alumni and friends of the Institute.
UT Institute of Agriculture Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President Keith Carver hosted the award winners and celebrated their work. “I’m excited to celebrate the amazing work of our UTIA faculty and staff,” says Carver. “These awards are well-deserved and represent our employees’ steadfast dedication to their work, the Institute and the people of Tennessee. The impact of their accomplishments and passion will be felt for generations to come.”
Established by the late Dutch Cavender, former director of UTIA Marketing and Communications, and his late wife, Marilee, the Cavender Outstanding Award for Best Publication recognizes excellence in the development of peer-reviewed material produced by professionals in the Institute of Agriculture. This year, 12 authors have been recognized for their contributions to two publications.
Kyla Adkins, Mark Morgan and Megan Leffew were recognized for their publication Tennessee’s Food Freedom Act- 2022: Homemade Foods Allowed under the “Cottage Food Laws”.
This publication provides guidance on minimum requirements for homemade food producers to legally produce and sell non-time/temperature controlled for safety (also known as shelf-stable) food products. Understanding the requirements provides home producers more peace of mind when selling their food products across the state.
Bob Ary, Natalie Bumgarner, John Gunter, David Lockwood, Melody Rose, Lee Sammons, Virginia Sykes, Gregg Upchurch and Seth Whitehouse (altogether known as the Tennessee Extension Home Fruit and Vegetable Workgroup) were recognized for their publication Tennessee Home Fruit and Vegetable Garden 2023 Calendar.
This publication assists home gardeners across the state of Tennessee to formulate an overall management plan for residential vegetable gardens and fruit production. It provides suggested planting, harvesting and management practices that can get home growers one step closer to a successful home fruit and vegetable journey.
Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. utia.tennessee.edu.