Invasive Hornet Found in Georgia

Dan Agri-Business, Georgia, Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), Pest/Pest Control

An invasive hornet is found alive in the U.S. for the first time in Georgia. The Georgia Department of Agriculture says the living Yellow-Legged Hornet a non-native hornet species, that, if allowed to establish in Georgia, could potentially threaten honey production, native pollinators, and the state’s number one industry – agriculture. Earlier this month, a beekeeper in Savannah, GA, found …

GDA Makes Appointments to the Agriculture Commodity Commissions

Dan Agri-Business, Georgia, Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA)

(GDA/Atlanta, GA) — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced appointments to thirteen of Georgia’s Agriculture Commodity Commissions. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) administers the farmer-funded and self-help programs. Funds collected by the commissions under grower-approved market orders support that research, education, and promotion of each commodity. “As a 7th generation farmer, I know firsthand the vital role the Georgia Agriculture …

Georgia Counties As Primary Natural Disaster Areas Following March Freezes

Dan Field Crops, Fruits, Georgia, Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), Specialty Crops, Vegetables, Weather

(GDA/Atlanta, GA/June 27, 2023) — Yesterday, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a natural disaster declaration for numerous Georgia counties following the untimely March freezes that caused significant damage to Georgia’s peach crop as well as other commodities. This declaration allows USDA’s Farm Service Agency to extend essential emergency credit to Georgia farmers and follows a months’ …

Many Agricultural Groups Commend SCOTUS Ruling on WOTUS

Dan Agri-Business, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Beef, Cattle, Corn, Dairy, Environment, Field Crops, Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), Legislative, Livestock, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), Pork, Regulation, Water, WOTUS Act

Many agricultural groups are applauding the U.S. Supreme Court for their ruling in the Sackett v. EPA case. The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) President and CEO Daren Coppock issued the following statement: “All of agriculture has been waiting for this ruling on defining Waters of the United States (WOTUS). The Court stated that the wetland under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act (CWA) must have ‘a continuous …

Vidalia Onion Season Date Announced

Dan Field Crops, Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, Vegetables

A favorite sweet onion heads to supermarkets soon. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The start of Vidalia onion season is almost here, with the official pack date announced by the Georgia Agriculture Commissioner and Vidalia Onion Committee. Vidalia onion fans across the country can mark their calendars for April 17, when the sweet onions are set to …

Georgia Department of Agriculture Kicks Off 2023 Agriculture Awareness Week

Dan Agri-Business, Education, Georgia, Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA)

Commissioner Tyler Harper and the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) are excited to kick off a week of celebrating Georgia’s diverse agriculture with Georgia Agriculture Awareness Week taking place March 20 through 26. “As we celebrate Agriculture Awareness Week, let us remember that agriculture is way more than just a job – it’s a way of life,” said Commissioner Tyler Harper. …

Commissioner Harper Thanks Speaker Burns, Chairman Hatchett for Additional Soil Amendment Program Funds

Dan Georgia, Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), Soil

(GDA/Atlanta, GA/March 8, 2023) — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper issued a statement thanking Georgia House Speaker John Burns and House Appropriations Chairman Matt Hatchett for appropriating an additional $550,000 in the House of Representatives FY23 amended budget to strengthen Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Soil Amendment Program. “I am thankful that $550,000 has been allocated for soil amendment regulation and enforcement …

Mental Health Matters: Check In with Yourself and Check on Those Around You

Dan Agri-Business, Georgia, Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA)

(Atlanta, GA/Jan. 31, 2023) — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper addressed Georgia mental health advocates on Tuesday about mental health awareness during Mental Health Day at the Georgia Capitol. Harper emphasized the importance of mental health awareness for those working in the food and agriculture sectors.  “The Department has been working closely with many partner agencies to educate and provide resources …

USDA Announces Its Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement with Georgia?

Dan Georgia, Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), USDA-AMS

(USDA-AMS/WASHINGTON/Sept. 14, 2022) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced it has signed a cooperative agreement with Georgia under the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). Through LFPA, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) seeks to purchase and distribute locally grown, produced, and processed food from underserved producers. “USDA is excited to partner with …

Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission Makes Appointments

Dan Beef, Cattle, Cotton, Field Crops, Georgia, Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), Soybeans

The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has announced their Commodity Commission Ex Officio Committee recently made several appointments of individuals to serve on various Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commissions. They include: Equine Commission – Cassie Harper and Beth Williams were appointed. Barbara Kelly chose not to be reappointed. Beef Commission – Allen Wiggins, Ernie Ford, Calhoun County, and Chuck Joiner were appointed. Chairman …