Mar 25, 2024

Georgia growers continue state vegetable commission

Georgia vegetable producers voted to continue the Georgia Vegetable Commission marketing order.

During February balloting, growers overwhelmingly approved continuance of the one cent per marketing unit assessment for another three years. The commission covers 14 Georgia vegetable crops.

The approval rate was more than 90% voting in favor of continuation, according to a news release. Every three years, the marketing order must be reapproved by vegetable growers via a two-thirds affirmative vote.

The assessment applies to growers who produce 50 acres or more of any or all of the crops on an annual basis. Crops covered are green beans, bell peppers, specialty peppers, broccoli, beets, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, greens (including collards, turnip greens, mustard and kale), squash ( including yellow, zucchini and winter squash), sweet potatoes and tomatoes.

Funds collected by the commission support research, education, and promotion of the crops, including University of Georgia (UGA) research projects in areas of production, disease control as well as weed and insect management.

According to policy, the commission must allocate at least 75% of its funding toward research at UGA and other research institutions.

The Georgia General Assembly established the marketing order in 2006 at the request of growers through the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association.

Read the 2023 Commission Report here.

Some previously funded research topics include whiteflies, fungal disease diagnoses and control, viral diseases, variety development, fumigation, and weed control.