Georgia’s spring fruit and vegetable harvest has an estimated farm gate value of $500-$750 million. Roughly 50% of the fresh produce is marketed through foodservice partners such as restaurants, schools and the hospitality industry. However, with much of the foodservice network closed due to COVID-19, farmers could find their promising crops have no place to go.
Here are 6 ways you can help:
- Look for the Georgia Grown logo when shopping for produce in-store. If you’re picking up curbside or ordering delivery, add special instructions for the grocery associate to choose Georgia-grown when available.
- If you don’t see Georgia Grown in your grocery store, urge the grocer to source local Georgia-grown produce when available.
- Buy directly from Georgia farmers and growers for now. In collaboration with the University of Georgia’s Extension’s statewide consumers can now buy directly from participating farmers in almost every Georgia county Visit Ag Products Connection for more details.
- Visit your local farmer’s markets. Most farmers markets are providing curbside pickup and other safety measures to keep you and your family safe. Find a Community Farmers Market near you.
- Stock up on specialty food products like jams, oils, meats, teas and more from small businesses who use Georgia Grown ingredients. See our list of specialty food products with e-commerce capability here, E-Commerce Products.
- Join the conversation online. Show everyone how you’re supporting Georgia farmers on social media using the hashtags, #NowMoreThanEver, #BuyGeorgiaGrown.
“The supply is there. The food is there. The quality is there. We just need to make sure the demand is there as well. Consumers often ask what they can do to help our Georgia farmers and the answer is simple. Expect Georgia Grown, ask for Georgia Grown and buy Georgia Grown.” – Commissioner Gary W. Black
- Remember to follow CDC and food safety guidelines to keep you and your family safe when shopping and preparing fresh produce at home.
