News Summary

In a bid to celebrate National Small Business Week, Georgia has introduced the Georgia Grown Market, an online platform designed to connect consumers with local farmers and artisans. Announced by Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper, the marketplace showcases a variety of products, from essential pantry items to handmade crafts. The initiative aims to promote local consumption and support community-based agriculture while ensuring that products featured are from businesses in the Georgia Grown program. The online market facilitates easier access to fresh and locally made goods for consumers throughout the state.

Atlanta, Georgia – In recognition of National Small Business Week, Georgia has launched the Georgia Grown Market, an innovative online marketplace designed to support local farmers and artisans across the state. The initiative was announced by Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper and aims to create a digital platform where consumers can easily access and purchase a variety of authentic Georgia Grown products directly from producers.

The newly established online market serves as a hub for a wide range of locally made goods, including essential pantry items, specialty foods, handmade crafts, and thoughtfully curated gift sets. Commissioner Harper highlighted the key goal of this initiative is to bridge the gap between consumers and local farms, making it easier for Georgians to support their communities and enjoy fresh, local products.

To explore the offerings available on the Georgia Grown Market, consumers can visit www.georgiagrownmarket.com. The marketplace will regularly update its selection, showcasing new products as they become available. Only businesses that hold active membership in the Georgia Grown program are eligible to be featured in the online market, providing an authentic connection between local producers and shoppers. Businesses interested in becoming members of the Georgia Grown program can find more information at www.georgiagrown.com.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has a long-standing mission to advance the state’s agricultural industry through various initiatives, including effective regulation, supportive resources, and robust marketing strategies. Their focus extends beyond just promoting products but also encompasses aspects of food safety, health in plants and animals, and stimulating economic growth throughout Georgia.

The Georgia Grown program plays a vital role in promoting products cultivated or created in Georgia. With the seasonal availability of produce, such as fresh strawberries, the program’s resources are proving to be incredibly beneficial for local farmers and families. The Georgia Grown website also features a comprehensive directory of local farms that provide seasonal produce, making it easy for families to find pick-your-own options and farmers markets in their area.

A notable example is the LCCL Strawberry Farm in Calhoun, Georgia, which has become a favorite destination for residents of Dade County wishing to enjoy strawberry picking. The strawberry season in Georgia runs from late March through early June, providing families the opportunity to engage in agritourism and support local agriculture. While Dade County lacks its own strawberry farm, residents can visit nearby farms, including the Red Apple Barn in Ellijay and LCCL Strawberry Farm.

Additionally, farmers markets such as the Trenton Farmers Market serve as platforms for connecting consumers with fresh produce, including strawberries sourced from regional growers. As spring continues, Georgia’s famous Vidalia onions will also be available, with the official “pack date” set for April 15. This designation ensures that Vidalia onions are harvested under optimal conditions, maintaining their renowned quality. In total, farmers planted approximately 10,000 acres of Vidalia onions across 20 counties in southeast Georgia this year.

The Vidalia onion crop faced potential threats this season, including adverse weather conditions caused by Hurricane Helene and unexpected snowfall. Fortunately, only minor damage was reported, allowing farmers to bring their excellent product to market. Historical efforts in the 1980s saw farmers lobby for protections that established the Vidalia onion’s name, leading to a federal marketing order in 1989. This order specifies that only onions grown in Georgia can be marketed under the Vidalia name, much like how Champagne refers to a specific sparkling wine from a designated region.

The Georgia Grown Market is poised to enhance the accessibility of local agricultural products while fostering community engagement and support for small businesses during National Small Business Week and beyond. As the initiative continues, it offers a promising outlook for local farmers, artisans, and consumers throughout the region.