Georgia Department of Agriculture Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Established in 1874, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is the oldest state department of agriculture in the United States. Its mission is to provide excellence in services and regulatory functions, protect and promote agriculture and consumer interests, and ensure an abundance of safe food and fiber for Georgia, America, and the world by utilizing state-of-the-art technology and a professional workforce.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To provide excellence in services and regulatory functions, protect and promote agriculture and consumer interests, and ensure an abundance of safe food and fiber for Georgia, America, and the world by using state-of-the-art technology and a professional workforce.

Vision: A model Department of Agriculture with highly motivated, empowered employees leveraging technology to best protect our citizens and best promote Georgia agriculture and agribusiness.

Primary Area of Focus

The GDA focuses on supporting Georgia farmers and producers, protecting consumers and the state's food supply, and marketing Georgia-grown agricultural products locally, nationally, and globally. It regulates animals, food, fuel, plants, soil, and pesticides produced or sold within the state.

Industry Significance

As the nation's oldest state department of agriculture, the GDA plays a pivotal role in safeguarding Georgia's agriculture industry, which is the state's largest sector, employing nearly 400,000 Georgians and contributing $91.4 billion to the state's economy annually.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Consumer Protection: Ensuring a safe, wholesome, and properly labeled food supply for consumers.

Agricultural Promotion: Increasing sales and market penetration of Georgia agricultural products both domestically and internationally.

Regulatory Excellence: Ensuring all regulated entities obtain the required licenses, certifications, and registrations.

Areas of Specialization

Animal Industry: Regulating and monitoring animal health and welfare.

Food Safety: Ensuring the safety and quality of food products.

Plant Protection: Protecting plant health and managing pest control.

Agricultural Inputs: Regulating fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs.

Key Technologies Utilized

Data Management Systems: Implementing state-of-the-art technology for data collection, storage, and retrieval to improve traceability and regulatory compliance.

Pesticide Safety Programs: Utilizing programs like the Using Pesticides Wisely Program (UPW) to promote safe pesticide usage.

Primary Markets Targeted

Domestic Markets: Promoting Georgia-grown products within the state and across the United States.

International Markets: Expanding the reach of Georgia's agricultural products globally.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

The GDA is a state agency funded through the state budget, with allocations supporting its various programs and initiatives. Specific funding details are managed by the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission.

Recent Funding Initiatives

In August 2025, the GDA announced the transition of Georgia's Rural Center for Innovation and Prosperity under its umbrella, with Charles "Charlie" Fiveash appointed as the new Executive Director. This move aims to strengthen investments and build prosperity in rural Georgia.

Utilization of Capital

Funds are allocated to various divisions within the GDA, including Animal Industry, Food Safety, Plant Protection, and Agricultural Inputs, to support their respective programs and initiatives.

Pipeline Development

Key Initiatives

Georgia Grown Program: A marketing and economic development program designed to aid agricultural economies by bringing together producers, processors, suppliers, distributors, retailers, agritourism, and consumers in a statewide community.

Pesticide Safety Programs: Collaborations with organizations like FieldWatch® to promote safe pesticide usage among beekeepers, crop producers, and pesticide applicators.

Target Conditions

These initiatives aim to address challenges in agricultural marketing, food safety, and sustainable farming practices.

Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Specific timelines for these initiatives are outlined in the respective program plans and are subject to ongoing evaluation and adjustment.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Georgia Grown Branding: A proprietary branding program that allows farmers and agriculture businesses to market their products under the Georgia Grown label, enhancing visibility and consumer trust.

Significant Scientific Methods

Pesticide Safety Education: The UPW program, a collaboration between the GDA and UGA Extension, is the nation's largest pesticide safety and education program, training over 17,000 Georgians on safe pesticide usage.

Leadership Team

Commissioner Tyler J. Harper

Position: 17th Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Georgia.

Professional Background: A 7th generation farmer and former State Senator representing Southeast and South-Central Georgia. Graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering and holds an associate's degree in agriculture from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

Key Contributions: Established the Georgia Farmland Conservation Fund, banned adversarial foreign nations from purchasing Georgia farmland, restored the GDA's status as a law enforcement agency, and implemented guardrails for consumable hemp products.

Executive Director of Georgia's Rural Center for Innovation and Prosperity, Charles "Charlie" Fiveash

Position: Executive Director of Georgia's Rural Center for Innovation and Prosperity.

Professional Background: Over 35 years of experience in commercial real estate development, economic development, and workforce development. Graduate of the University of Georgia and holds a Master's in Logistics & Supply Chain Management from Georgia College & State University.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The agricultural sector in Georgia is a significant contributor to the state's economy, with food and fiber production generating a total economic contribution of $91.4 billion and accounting for nearly 381,200 jobs in 2023.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include other state departments of agriculture, private agricultural organizations, and international agricultural producers. The GDA differentiates itself through its long-standing history, comprehensive regulatory functions, and dedicated focus on promoting Georgia-grown products.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Georgia Grown Program

A marketing and economic development program that brings together producers, processors, suppliers, distributors, retailers, agritourism, and consumers in a statewide community to support Georgia's agricultural economy.

Pesticide Safety Programs

Partnerships with organizations like FieldWatch® to promote safe pesticide usage among beekeepers, crop producers, and pesticide applicators.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

The GDA operates in a competitive landscape with other state departments of agriculture and private organizations. Its competitive advantages include its historical significance, comprehensive regulatory authority, and dedicated focus on promoting Georgia-grown products.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Georgia Grown Program Expansion

Continuing to expand the Georgia Grown program to include more producers and consumers, enhancing the visibility and market reach of Georgia-grown products.

Pesticide Safety Education

Expanding pesticide safety education programs to ensure sustainable and safe agricultural practices across the state.