Growers' Awareness of On-Farm Conservation and Food-Safety Co-Management Practices in the Southeastern United States

This study evaluated the level of awareness of growers in the Southeastern U.S. regarding the on- farm co-management of conservation and food safety practices through a survey of 104 participants. Most respondents operated farms primarily in Georgia, employing conventional and mixed farming methods. Key findings indicated that prevalent food safety practices included deterrents for animal intrusion (60.4%) and partial vegetation removal from ditches or farm ponds (32.2%). For conservation, practices such as crop rotation (71.4%) and integrated pest management (59.3%) were prevalent. Principal Component Analysis demonstrated differences in management practices based on farming methods, with conventional and mixed growers engaged in a broader range of practices to address food safety and conservation. Notably, 21.1% of growers perceived a conflict between food safety and conservation, and nearly 60% were unaware of USDA conservation programs. These results highlight the challenges in integrating these practices and the need for improved awareness and support from local authorities. The findings also reveal a communication gap between the USDA and growers, emphasizing the need for targeted marketing campaigns to outreach understanding and participation in available conservation initiatives.