ATLANTA, GA — In case you missed it, earlier this month Georgia Grown, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), hosted the first-ever “Georgia Grown in ATL” event at the Atlanta University Center Consortium on Friday, May 1, 2026. This milestone event brought together outreach staff from the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Grown, USDA, and several private sector partners with Atlanta HBCU students interested in learning about career opportunities in Georgia’s #1 industry.
The event concluded with a dynamic panel discussion centered on expanding access to capital, strengthening resources for new and established farmers, and highlighting emerging opportunities across the agricultural sector. Students engaged directly with industry leaders, agricultural professionals, and program representatives, including Tyler J Harper (Georgia Agriculture Commissioner), Bruce LeVell (USDA Director of Public & Private Partnerships), Alex Cordova (Deputy Director, USDA Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships), Nikki Thomas (Deputy State Executive Director, USDA Farm Service Agency), Terrance Rudolph (State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service), and Dr. Alveda King (Senior Advisor for Faith and Community Outreach, USDA). Together, these leaders underscored a shared commitment to supporting and empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders.
“With 64% of Georgia farmers over 55 and just 7% under the age of 35, our state’s #1 industry will experience a workforce crisis in the near future if we do not act now to get more folks involved in this industry,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “Events like Georgia Grown in ATL are fantastic way to get students exposure to opportunities in Georgia’s #1 industry that they otherwise would not get. I’m grateful to the dozens of students who came out to visit with us and our partners at USDA for their support. We’re committed to building a strong pipeline of talent that will sustain and grow Georgia’s number one industry for generations to come.”
“This event reflects a commitment under the leadership of Secretary Brooke Rollins to expanding awareness, access, and opportunity in agriculture while strengthening connections between students, industry, and government.” said Bruce LeVell, Director of Public and Private Partnerships, USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. “By engaging directly with students at the Atlanta University Center, we are investing in the next generation of innovators and leaders who will shape the future of American agriculture.”
64% of farmers over the age of 55 compared to just 7% under 35—the state’s agriculture industry faces a critical workforce gap in the coming decades. Similar to trends seen in the skilled trades, where the retirement-to-replacement ratio is 5:2, Georgia agriculture is expected to experience significant workforce shortages over the next 10–20 years. Initiatives like Georgia Grown in ATL reflect a broader commitment to workforce development, innovation, and long-term sustainability within the state’s agricultural economy.
