Hurricane Michael is expected to have a severe inland impact in southwest and central Georgia beginning Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is working closely with state, federal and industry partners to support the safety and comfort of Georgia citizens, their animals and our neighbors along the Gulf Coast fleeing the storm. Areas impacted by …
Training for Farmers and Growers on Produce Safety Rule
Registration Deadline: October 1st This is a $15.00 one-day workshop being offered to produce growers. The training will cover the standardized curriculum designed by the Produce Safety Alliance, which meets the regulatory requirements of the Produce Safety Rule under FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act). The course will provide a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and co- management information, FSMA …
The Fresh Market Expands Local Product Offerings in Georgia Stores
While Georgia might be most well-known for their peaches, The Fresh Market, a leading specialty grocer, is reaching beyond the fuzzy fruit to expand its already extensive local Georgia product offerings by adding 75 new locally-sourced items. With the help of Georgia Grown, a marketing and economic development program of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, guests shopping at any of …
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Applauds Efforts to Assist Farmers Affected by Tariffs
Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black is applauding action taken by the Trump Administration to assist farmers who have been hurt by recent trade disputes. “We look forward to learning more regarding the assistance announced today,” Commissioner Black said. “We believe this is a good short-term solution for our farmers who have long-suffered from unfair trade practices from many of our …
Georgia Ag Commissioner Applauds Injunction Blocking Enforcement of ‘WOTUS’ Rule
Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black is applauding action recently taken by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia to grant a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the burdensome Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. “This rule was a blatant overreach of the federal government,” Commissioner Black said. “We are pleased that the courts clearly saw the irreparable …
2018 Georgia Grown Farm to School Program Selections
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black is pleased to announce the latest schools selected to participate in Georgia Grown’s farm to school programs, including the Feed My School for a Week program, the Georgia Grown Test Kitchen program and schools receiving System of Distinction awards. Commissioner Black believes that the schools selected are the driving force of Georgia’s farm to …
Georgia Produce Safety Alliance Website
If you are you a farmer in Georgia that grows fresh produce and makes over $25,000 per year in produce sales, then you may have to comply with the new Federal Produce Safety Rule. And the Georgia Department of Agriculture has a website that provides information to help growers be in compliance with the new rule. Brandon Sauceda, with the …
Cotton Commodity Commission Accepting Nominations for Board Member Positions
The Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for cotton will accept nominations to fill two board positions. To be nominated, eligible individuals must be an active Georgia cotton producer. Any person currently serving can be reappointed or replaced by the Ex Officio committee during appointments. Nominations may be made by filling out a Nominee Information Form found at http://agr.georgia.gov/commodity-promotion-forms.aspx and sending it to: Georgia …
GDA Food Safety Division Statement on Romaine Lettuce
“The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) Food Safety Division is actively working with state and federal partners on this ongoing investigation, including the Georgia Department of Public Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The GDA agrees with the recommendation issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA, which encourages consumers to follow …
State Ag Officials Meet with Cabinet Officials on Infrastructure, Technology
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black joined other members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) at the White House for the White House Conference on Rural Prosperity where Vice President Mike Pence, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., and other …