Gary Black
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From the Georgia Department of Agriculture:
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black kicked off the opening of the Georgia Grown Building for the 2016 Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia, with a ribbon cutting for “Georgie’s Farm,” a children’s corner highlighting the diversity of Georgia agriculture. In attendance was Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle who delighted a group of Bibb County school children with a celebrity reading of “Hi, I’m Billy Blueberry, This is My Story.”
“Every year we challenge ourselves to improve the understanding and importance of the agricultural industry to the public, “said Commissioner Black. “And I am so proud of our team for continuing that effort in such innovative and engaging ways in our always improving Georgia Grown Building here at the fair.”
Georgie’s Farm, sponsored by Publix, highlights the diversity of Georgia agriculture through educational and captivating activities such as a veggie toss to fill a produce basket and creating a Georgia Grown farm-to-fork activity.
“Georgie’s Farm is a wonderful way to help introduce students to agriculture”, says Theresa Cantrell, Site Supervisor Manager/Farm to School Coordinator Bibb County Schools. “The “Make My Plate Georgia Grown” activity will teach our children how their school lunches move from the farm to their school cafeterias!”
The ceremony also included the reveal of the 2016 Georgia Grown Magazine and the premier of two new Georgia Grown feature films. “Planting a Miracle, Georgia Peanuts” and “Growing Blue Gold, Georgia Blueberries” focus on both the beauty and challenges facing family farmers. In addition, the Georgia Grown Building also features the Seasons and Faces of Georgia Agriculture exhibit, numerous Georgia Grown companies, recipe demonstrations and the Georgia Grown Pavilion where consumers can shop for local fare.
The Georgia Grown building is open every day of the 27th annual Georgia National Fair which is held October 6-16. For more information visit ggatthefair.com.