Farm Bureau and agribusiness groups promote farm‑tourism and highlight agriculture’s statewide economic footprint

Adam Bellflower of the Georgia Farm Bureau briefed the committee on the bureau’s certified farm‑market and outreach efforts aimed at promoting agritourism and connecting urban consumers with producers.

“We have a hundred and 1 farms across the state of Georgia that participate in this program,” Bellflower said, describing the Farm Passport program that encourages participants to visit certified farm markets and collect stamps. He told the committee that about 1,200 people participated in the passport program last year and that completion of the passport qualifies entrants for tiered rewards and an annual dinner for those who visit all listed farms.

Bellflower said the Farm Bureau’s field services team runs “Ag in the Classroom” programs and other public‑facing events and that the passport program partners with Georgia Grown to promote farm retail and agritourism businesses. He said certified farm markets range from on‑farm butcher shops to agritourism operations and cover the state.

Will Bentley of the Georgia Agribusiness Council summarized the industry’s economic footprint and the storm’s impact on agriculture. Bentley cited University of Georgia numbers showing $17.6 billion in direct farm‑gate sales translating to a $91.4 billion statewide economic impact and said agribusiness supports roughly 381,000 jobs. He warned that the figures used by the association are based on a 2023 trailing period and that the storm and commodity price declines will likely push those numbers lower.

Both Farm Bureau and Agribusiness Council speakers said agritourism and farm marketing support local economies, help diversify farm income and introduce non‑farm residents to agricultural production. The groups offered to provide materials and passports to legislators and to collaborate with the committee on promotion and recovery programs.