Hey y'all!

Did you know that according to census data, there are 39,264 farms in Georgia today? Sounds like a lot, right? But here's the kicker—in 2017, there were 42,439 farms. That’s a loss of 3,175 farms in just the past five years. Our local farmers are facing some tough times, and they need our support more than ever.

Why Farms Matter

Farms are the heartbeat of our community. They provide us with fresh, delicious food, support local economies, and preserve our beautiful landscapes. When a farm closes, it’s not just a loss for the farmer—it’s a loss for all of us.

1. Fresh, Local Goodness When you buy from local farms, you’re getting produce that’s fresh and full of flavor. There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy peach or a crisp apple that was picked just days (or even hours) ago. Fresh food is not only tastier but also packed with nutrients. And let’s not forget about locally grown beef, other meats, and fresh milk straight from the farm—nothing beats the quality and taste of these products!

A lot of the food we import from other places might contain hormones, antibiotics, and other additives. Plus, we often don’t know where or how it was raised. When you buy local, you can ask your farmers about their practices and know exactly what you’re putting on your plate. It’s peace of mind knowing your food is fresh, clean, and responsibly grown.

2. Supporting Our Economy Every dollar spent on local produce helps to support our community. It creates jobs, sustains local businesses, and keeps money circulating within our economy. When farms thrive, so do local businesses like grocery stores, restaurants, and markets.

3. Preserving Our Heritage Farms are a big part of Georgia’s identity. They preserve our heritage and our way of life. Losing farms means losing a part of what makes Georgia unique and special.

How We Can Help

So, how can we help keep our local farms alive and thriving? Here are some simple ways:

Shop at Farmers Markets Farmers markets are a fantastic way to buy fresh, local produce directly from the farmers. You can ask them about their farming practices, get cooking tips, and enjoy the freshest food around, including locally raised meats and fresh milk.

Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) A CSA program lets you subscribe to regular deliveries of fresh produce and sometimes meats and dairy from a local farm. It’s a great way to ensure you always have fresh food on hand and directly support a farmer.

Buy Local Whenever possible, choose local products over imported ones. Whether it’s fruits, vegetables, meats, or dairy, buying local helps keep our farmers in business.

Spread the Word Tell your friends and family about the importance of supporting local farms. Share your favorite finds on social media and encourage others to shop local.

Attend Local Food Events Food festivals, farm tours, and other local events are great opportunities to meet farmers, learn about their practices, and enjoy fresh, local food.

Volunteer and Advocate If you have the time, volunteer at local farms or farmers markets. You can also advocate for policies that support local agriculture and make it easier for farmers to succeed.

Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

The loss of 3,175 farms in the past five years is a stark reminder that our local farms are vulnerable. Many farmers are facing challenges like rising costs, and competition from large agricultural businesses. By supporting local farms, we’re not just helping farmers—we’re ensuring that our community has access to fresh, healthy food, including high-quality meats and dairy, and that we preserve the beautiful landscapes and traditions that make Georgia special.

So next time you bite into a fresh peach, savor a juicy steak, or pour a glass of fresh milk, remember the farmers who made it possible. Let's do our part to support Georgia’s farmers and keep our local food system strong.

Thanks for being a part of the Georgia Bounty family and for supporting our local heroes!