The week started with everyone wearing green for St. Patrick’s Day but continues with a celebration of all things agriculture. The week is a chance to highlight the state’s number one industry and honor Georgia farm families.
“Georgia Ag Week offers a unique opportunity for all Georgians to celebrate the incredible work of our farmers — who fuel the success of our #1 industry and provide the food, fiber, and shelter we all rely on,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “This year, as Georgia’s farm families continue the long recovery from Hurricane Helene, supporting our agricultural community is more important than ever. We invite all Georgians to participate in this celebration and show their support for Georgia’s farmers.”
Harper and the Department of Agriculture have a number of events planned for the week. Wednesday was Ag Hero Day, highlighting the work of farmers waking up before the sun and working after dark to produce the food and fiber we use every day. At a time when there are real concerns about the mental health of farmers across the country – some estimates put the suicide rate for farmers three times higher than the general population. Fans can use the #AgHeroDay tag on social media and follow along to hear some of the stories from farmers across the state. The Department of Agriculture is also using #GaAgWeek2025 to highlight farmers’ efforts on a number of social media channels.
Saturday is Buy Georgia Grown Day, highlighting the products from honey to dog treats that are produced here in Georgia. The Cherry Blossom Festival is also taking place this weekend in Macon, one of the state’s largest festivals and a great time to highlight the work of agriculture as we kick off spring.
There is also the Georgia Ag Week Photo Contest, open through March 24. The contest features a number of categories and selected photos will be featured through the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Last year’s winners can be found here if you are looking for some inspiration.
The week also conincides with National Ag Day, from the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), highlighting the role of agriculture in the nation’s economy and how it fits into our security and prosperity. The Feeding the Economy report has also been released this week, featuring a number of eye-popping statistics for an industry that many in urban – and suburban – areas may have overlooked. More than 24 million jobs (15 percent) and some $9.5 trillion of GDP is derived from the agricultural industry.
“The annual Feeding the Economy report alongside National Ag Day illuminates the essential contributions of farmers, ranchers and all food producers, driving economic growth and stability for the entire nation,” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said. “As we celebrate National Agriculture Day, we’re proud that today’s report demonstrates the continued strength our industry of both across the states and globally.”
