Georgia ag commodity commissions seek nominations

The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is calling out for growers to serve on the Peach State’s agriculture commodity commissions.

A dozen of Georgia’s agricultural commodity commissions are seeking nominations from producers to serve on their respective commissions.

Nomination forms are available on the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s website and will be accepted until May 24.

Administered by the GDA, the commissions oversee farmer-funded programs dedicated to strengthening Georgia’s leading industry through research, education, and promotion of a number of Georgia Grown commodities, according to a news release.

Producers can nominate themselves, be nominated by others, or receive a nomination from an affiliated organization for their commodity. Their role involves attending periodic meetings and making decisions on behalf of their peers. Commission members serve three-year terms, with the possibility of reappointment. Grower directors represent the interests of the commodity’s producers. The Commodity Commission Ex Officio Committee makes appointments to the commissions in July.

Commission Members with Expiring Terms:

• Apple Commission
• Blueberry Commission
• Peach Commission
• Pecan Commission
• Vegetable Commission
• Wine & Grape Commission

Nomination forms are available on the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s dedicated commodity commission webpage or can be requested via email, andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov.

Completed forms should be submitted by email or mailed to:

Georgia Dept. of Agriculture, ATTN: Andy Harrison, 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW., Suite 324, Atlanta, GA 30334

“Georgia’s Agriculture Commodity Commissions play a vital role in supporting and advancing our state’s #1 industry through research, promotion, and education,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said in the release. “I strongly encourage producers to step forward and consider serving on these vitally important commissions as we work together to ensure the continued success of Georgia’s farmers and farm families.”

Established in the 1960s by the Georgia General Assembly, the Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commissions operate as official entities of the State of Georgia. The Ex Officio Committee responsible for appointments includes the Commissioner of Agriculture, the president of the Georgia Farm Bureau, and two members appointed by the Georgia Senate and House Agriculture Committees.