Georgia Department of Agriculture Marks 150 Years of Service to Georgia’s #1 Industry

(GDA/Atlanta, GA/Feb. 26, 2024) — This year, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) proudly celebrates its 150th anniversary, marking a historic milestone as the United States’ first and oldest State Department of Agriculture. Established on February 28, 1874, the Department has played a pivotal role in supporting and safeguarding Georgia’s agriculture industry. Since its inception, the Department has evolved to meet the changing needs of Georgia’s #1 industry, playing a vital role in supporting and protecting farm families, ensuring the safety of the state’s food supply, and serving farmers, producers, and consumers in every corner of Georgia. The Department is hosting and participating in a series of events throughout 2024 to celebrate 150 years of service to the state. 

“For 150 years the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s commitment to serving the people of Georgia and our state’s #1 industry has never wavered,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “While the Department’s mission has evolved over the years, our dedicated staff continues to work every single day to accomplish our mission – promoting Georgia’s #1 industry, protecting our state’s food supply, and serving farmers, producers, and consumers in every corner of the state. As a 7^th generation South Georgia farmer, it is an incredible honor to follow in the footsteps of the Commissioners before me, and I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure the success of Georgia agriculture for generations to come.”

To commemorate the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s extraordinary 150-year legacy, we’ve curated a comprehensive website that delves into the Department’s history, showcases upcoming events, and features captivating photographs. Explore the journey at https://agr.georgia.gov/150th-anniversary. Furthermore, we are excited to unveil a series of public events throughout 2024, designed to celebrate our storied history, recognize our achievements, and foster community engagement.

Event Schedule:

• Georgia Department of Agriculture 150^th Anniversary Celebration – February 28, 2024
  Celebrating 150 Years of Georgia Agriculture
  Location and Time: State Capitol Rotunda at 2 pm. 

• 2024 Georgia Agriculture Week – March 18-22, 2024
  Georgia Agriculture Week
  Join us for a week of special events celebrating Georgia’s agriculture. More detailed information on this year’s Ag Week celebration will be posted to the Department’s website in March. 

• Georgia Archives Symposium – Celebrating 150 Years of GDA – April 6, 2024
  Georgia Archives Symposium
  Explore and celebrate Georgia’s agricultural history at the Georgia Archives Symposium.

150^th Anniversary Commemorative Gear:

As part of the celebration, the Georgia Department of Agriculture has partnered with Georgia Grown member, Magnolia Loom, for commemorative 150^th anniversary tee shirts, hoodies, and crew neck sweatshirts. This merchandise is available for a limited time here. 

Stay tuned for additional events commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Department, which will be shared on our official 150^thAnniversary website: agr.georgia.gov/150th-anniversary.

We invite you to be a part of these memorable occasions as we reflect on our past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a vibrant future for Georgia’s agriculture.

Images courtesy of Georgia Department of Agriculture.