Join us in praying for our farm families as they dealt with the early Spring season freezes the past few nights. Let's remain hopeful and offer our support to those who work tirelessly to put food on our tables.
Report Unsolicited Seeds:
Anyone who has received unsolicited seeds in the mail from China or any other country is encouraged to contact the GDA Seed Lab at 229-386-3145 or e-mail SeedLab
@agr
.georgia.gov.
The seed packages may appear similar to the photos below.
Thank a peanut farmer today for their hard work keeping us as the number one peanut producing state in the nation! They produced over 1.67 million tons in 2021 to be exact! 🥜
Commissioner Harper and our entire staff at the Georgia Department of Agriculture are committed to supporting and protecting Georgia's farmers, producers, and consumers every single day!
Today is World Milk Day! Did you know an average dairy cow in Georgia provides an ~2,544 gallons of milk per year? Raise a glass and toast to the dairy farmers who work tirelessly to bring us wholesome, nutritious milk every day!
Happy National Pecan Day! Did you know that Georgia is the
#1
pecan producing state in the country? Celebrate by snacking on some delicious Georgia Grown pecans today!
A yellow-legged hornet was recently discovered near Savannah. This invasive species could threaten honey production, native pollinators, & our state’s No.1 industry – agriculture.
We’re asking the public to report sightings to .
Today, in coordination with
@USDA_APHIS
,
@UGA_CollegeofAg
, &
@UGAExtension
, we announced the confirmed detection of a yellow-legged hornet in Georgia. This is the first live detection of this invasive pest in the open United States.
📺WATCH BELOW 📺
Today, Governor Brian Kemp swore in Tyler Harper as the 17th Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Georgia.
Tyler Harper is a 7th generation farmer, small business owner, former State Senator, and is now the 17th Agriculture Commissioner of the State of Georgia.
We need the public’s help as we work to eradicate yellow-legged hornets from Georgia. If you think you’ve seen them in your area, report sightings to .
📷:
@UGAExtension
Today, and every day, we honor the lives lost on September 11th, 2001, and thank all those who sacrificed in the hours, days, months, and years since.
#NeverForget
Practice makes perfect. The Annual Legislative Showdown is happening now in the Sutherland Arena at the Georgia National Fair! Hurry over!
#GGattheFair
#Ga4H
#GaFFA
Happy Georgia Pecan Month! We’re sending a BIG thank you to Georgia’s pecan growers – y’all are the reason Georgia is the nation’s top producer of pecans!
TODAY IS THE DAY! We are pleased to share the Vidalia Onion Advisory Panel voted April 17th as the official 2023 pack date! Get ready to savor the sweetest and most delicious onions around!
Happy National Agriculture Day to all the heroes that never stop working to to ensure an abundance of safe food and fiber for Georgia, America, and the world!
Morning S/O to
#GeorgiaFarmers
, Oakwood Cafe, Dalton State and Northwest Georgians for accomplishing such an incredible mission! Next stop:
#GeorgiaGrownToGo
in Cobb. Visit for more.
Commissioner Harper and our entire staff at GDA want to thank our friends at
@GAagribusiness
for loaning us this incredible painting of the 1977 Tractorcade by their friend and
@GeorgiaGrown
artist
@PatrickLewisArt
Here in Georgia, agriculture is more than just a job or a hobby - it's a way of life. We're grateful for thousands of Georgia farm families who work every day to support our
#1
industry!
As Hurricane
#Idalia
approaches, we encourage farmers, producers, and consumers in South Georgia to prepare and take precautions to protect themselves and their families. Our team of dedicated professionals is standing by ready to respond as needed.
1 week ago, we celebrated 150 years of excellence with
@GaDeptAg
! With speakers like
@GovKemp
,
@JonBurnsGA
,
@AgCommHarperGA
, & others, it was a momentous occasion at the People's House. Here's to honoring the nation's oldest ag department & its enduring legacy!🏛️
#GDA150
#TBT
DYK? Each year, approximately 200 million pounds of Vidalia® onions are shipped across the US & Canada. Georgia's official state vegetable arrives at a store near you this Thursday,
#April16
.
#packdate
#agriculture
#vidaliaonions
Did you know Georgia is the only state in the nation where students can get an Ag education from K-12? As students go back to school this month, we look forward to highlighting how we're investing in the next generation of leaders in our state!
Established in 1874, we are proud to be the oldest state department of agriculture in the United States and to serve the citizens of Georgia by supporting the state's number one industry - agriculture.
Agriculture is not just about farming, it's about the beauty of the land and the hard work of those who cultivate it. Georgia's farmers are the backbone of our economy and we're proud to support them!
We thank the Georgia General Assembly for recognizing Farmworker Awareness Week, March 25 - 31!
Farming is a way of life that sustains our communities and feeds our nation. Let's take a moment to honor the hardworking men and women who make it all possible! 🌾👩🌾
#AlwaysEssential
From fresh milk to delicious cheese, our hardworking dairy farmers bring us nutritious and tasty products every day. Join us in celebrating their dedication and passion!
"Your Department of Agriculture is on the job, albeit in a Coronavirus-adjusted environment. Every division will be staffed with primary leadership." Commissioner Black sat down with
@GrowingAmerica
to discuss our response to
#COVID19
. . 🌱
#GaDeptAg
As Georgia’s No.1 industry, agriculture is the backbone of our state, & this Labor Day, we’re thinking of the agriculture sector impacted by
#HurricaneIdalia
. Our thoughts & prayers are with the communities facing this natural disaster, & we stand with them during this time.
Here are a few pictures of Commissioner Gary Black when he stopped by Commerce Middle School FFA on Sep. 3 to show his support of the Georgia Grown watermelons that are being served in the school district.
#FuelingGA
@GaDOENutrition
@CommerceMiddle
@GDAFoodSafety
Happy
#CowAppreciationDay
! Did you know that a high producing dairy 🐄🐄🐄 can consume over 100 pounds of wet feed a day? That’s a whole lot to appreciate!
#dairycows
We are excited to watch our beautiful state wildflower in action at the
@TheMasters
Thu, Apr 6, - Sun, Apr 9, 2023, especially on hole
#13
named Azalea! From tee to green, this hole is flanked on its south side by approximately 1,600 azaleas!
#Agriculture
isn't just a job, it's a WAY OF LIFE! 🚜💚For generations, farming has shaped our heritage, values, and communities. We’re proud to celebrate and support Georgia’s farmers and farm families.
For the duration of the
#COVID19
emergency response, we're offering free digital access to the Market Bulletin. Released every 2 weeks, the bulletin is devoting most of it's coverage to the impact COVID-19 is having on Georgia
#agriculture
. Learn more,
Join
@GAFirstLady
Marty Kemp for the 5th Pet Adoption Day at the Georgia Governor's Mansion! Animals will be available for adoption & a
#GeorgiaGrown
Festival will be on full display!
We want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude to our agriculture community in Georgia! Without the hard work and dedication of thousands of farm families, our state would not be the agricultural powerhouse that it is today!
Our Georgia farmers know a thing or two about hard work, dedication, and resilience. We're grateful for all they do and we're here to support them every step of the way!
🚨ATTENTION GA FARMERS🚨
If your family farm has been in operation for over 100 years, we encourage you to apply to the Georgia Centennial Farm Program and be recognized for your family's contribution to Georgia Agriculture!
Commissioner Tyler Harper just launched his official Twitter account!
Give him a follow
@AgCommHarperGA
for the latest news and updates from our department as we work on behalf of farmers, producers, and consumers across Georgia.
#gapol
We’re in DC this week to make sure Washington is working for Georgia’s
#1
industry!
Great day yesterday meeting with members of our Georgia Delegation to discuss the 2023 farm bill, leveling the playing field for our farmers & delivering disaster relief for our producers.
#gapol
We're nearing the end of Smart Irrigation Month in Georgia and here's a message from Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black. Learn more, .
#SmartIrrigationGA
#GaDeptAg
#agriculture
The Structural Pest Control Commission gathered for their monthly meeting, diving into the latest in pest management tech, addressing the yellow-legged hornet with GDA's insights, & exploring cutting-edge research from
@Entomology_UGA
. We're on the front lines, working for you!
Recently, we hosted a German group, toured the state capitol, and discussed GDA's structure, including food safety, marketing, and more. This is part of an exchange mission for 9 Georgia and 9 German ag community members to learn about agricultural policy.
#InternationalAg
Commissioner Black spent this morning visiting
#DestinationAg
, a hands- on educational program connecting students and teachers to the importance of Georgia’s number industry.
#ABAC
#agriculture
#GaDeptAg
Special thank you to Lane & Brandon Wade – Alma Nursery & Berry Farm, Kevin Eason – The Blueberry Warehouse, and Steve Mullis – Farmer John Berries for bringing these delicious blueberries all the way from South GA! Your commitment to quality and freshness is greatly appreciated!
Throwing it back to the incredible efforts of our Marketing Department during our 150th anniversary celebration! From captivating campaigns to engaging content, they truly set the stage for a memorable celebration.
#TBT
#throwbackthursday
#gda150
#georgia
#georgiagrown
Our
@GaDeptAg
team had a fantastic time at the
@GFVGA
's Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference in Savannah! Connecting with growers, vendors, & suppliers from across the Southeast was a highlight at this educational conference & trade show.
Our
@GDAFoodSafety
team is dedicated to serving Georgians with the highest safety standards. Last week, they were hard at work, mastering the latest
#FoodSafety
rules and regulations to guarantee your food is consistently safe and delicious. Your safety is our priority!
Today,
@AgCommHarperGA
hosted an Employee Appreciation Luncheon for GDA’s Atlanta employees. This event was an excellent opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of our employees, who do so much for Georgians every day!
Our North Georgia team had a blast at today’s Employee Appreciation Lunch & Service Awards Ceremony!
I’m thankful everyday for our incredible team at
@GaDeptAg
and the work they do to serve the people of Georgia, support our
#1
industry, and protect our state’s food supply.
Georgia’s watermelon producers work from sunup to sundown to grown the finest watermelons around, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. From picnics to backyard cookouts, make every occasion sweeter with a
@GeorgiaGrown
Watermelon!
Our
@GeorgiaGrown
team came together for their annual meeting in Forsyth, covering exciting incentives, upcoming projects, streamlined procedures, and strategic planning. A powerhouse of collaboration to ensure they’re working at their best!
#georgiagrown
#collaboration
We are proud to partner with
@DBHDD
and
@GaDPH
to educate and spread awareness of the resources available to farmers and producers when it comes to ag stress and mental health.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we want to remind you to take care of your mental health. Recognizing the signs and symptoms that impact mental health is crucial. Take a moment to check in with yourself and your loved ones.
Commissioner Black along with many statewide elected officials joined Green Power EMC and
@SiliconRanchCo
for the Houston Solar “flip the switch” dedication.
Great event and great video to watch the innovation and partnership for the future of agriculture!
Green Power EMC and
@SiliconRanchCo
were joined by statewide elected officials and leaders from Houston County to "flip the switch" on the new Houston Solar site. Watch the event recap to hear what leaders had to say about this exciting
#solar
project:
Your unwavering commitment and hard work are the backbone of our state's agricultural prosperity. Keep sowing seeds of success, tending to your crops, and feeding our communities with your dedication!
Georgia’s farm families impacted by Hurricane Idalia have an incredible team working on their behalf.
Thank you to
@GovKemp
,
@GAFirstLady
, Commissioner
@JohnKingGA
,
@GeorgiaEMAHS
Director Stallings, and all the local leaders for supporting our farmers and our
#1
industry.
Grateful for the leadership of
@GovKemp
,
@GAFirstLady
,
@JohnKingGA
,
@GeorgiaEMAHS
Director Stallings, & the many others involved in the recovery process.
We'll continue working together to expand this disaster declaration to cover all impacted counties.