National Ag Day in Georgia

It seems rather fitting that Macon’s Cherry Blossom Festival opening weekend also falls on National Agriculture Day. Agriculture has long been one of the mainstays of the state of Georgia, and in fact the South as a whole. This fact should seem rather obvious in the former land of the once King Cotton, but perhaps you didn’t know that the Georgia Department of Agriculture was actually established in 1874, is the oldest state agency, and was founded after the state was struggling as a result of the Civil War.

Agriculture quite literally feeds us with the crops that are grown and the livestock that are bred:

“Georgia leads all states in the production of poultry, pecans, peanuts, eggs, and rye. It is the number two cotton-producing state in the nation. The state is also recognized for its peaches, tomatoes, and watermelons. South Georgia, around Vidalia, is world renowned for its sole production of a sweet large onion, the Vidalia onion. One of the responsibilities of the department is to expand production and locate markets for these products statewide and nationwide. Through the Georgia Grown program, the Georgia Department of Agriculture has placed “Georgia Grown” sections, which feature Georgia products, in several hundred grocery stores around the country. In state, the department operates a number of farmers’ markets throughout the state so that consumers can buy directly from farm producers. The agency, working through its staff of consumer economists, prepares innovative recipes using Georgia produce.” (From The New Georgia Encyclopedia)

Along with this, agriculture tourism is a growing market. Go Fish Education Center in Perry is a fantastic was to learn about the fishing impacts in Georgia:

“The Go Fish Initiative seeks to establish Georgia as a national fishing destination through a three-tiered approach:

• Improving the quality of fishing in Georgia waters;
• Improving access to water bodies for fishing in Georgia; and
• Increasing participation through active promotion and marketing of Georgia’s exceptional fishing resources

The Go Fish Education Center and fish hatchery directly address objectives 1 and 3, above. Additionally, the Center and Initiative will promote fishing as a family-friendly, fun activity that over one million people across the state already enjoy and encourage others to get outside with their children and give fishing a try.” (From the Go Fish website)

Multiple festivals celebrate the flowers and trees and the beautiful things that grow in our state. The Daylily Festival, Forsythia Festival, and of course the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Today is a great day to celebrate the amazing ways that agriculture makes contributions in all of our lives. So get outside and experience it!

Love to all y’all,

Molly