Georgia Grown Food Show to attract food professionals to State Farmers Market

The State Farmers Market in Forest Park becomes ground-zero on Monday for food professionals interested in learning more about Georgia Grown products. 

The farmers market will be the site of the second Georgia Grown Food Show. Hosted by Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin and Deputy Commissioner Terry Coleman, the trade show brings Georgia farmers, producers and sellers together with buyers, food wholesalers and hospitality decision-makers.

“Our intent is simple; sell more Georgia Grown products,” says Irvin.  “It’s not unusual for some Georgia farmers and producers to sell their products to out-of-state marketers who then re-sell the same product to retailers and restaurants in our state.  We want to cut out the middleman, reduce shipping, and increase direct access to our farm markets and local producers in addition to increasing sales of Georgia Grown products.”

Coleman agrees, “It is better for the farmer to conduct business as close to the farm as possible.  Buying Georgia Grown products offers a greater guarantee to consumers that the food they eat will be fresh as well as good tasting.”

The trade show will have 63 exhibitors who will show off the best of what they grow and sell.  This will be the second meeting of Georgia farmers, growers, producers and buyers (wholesale marketers, food retailers, restaurateurs, chefs and others in the hospitality industry) hosted by the Agriculture Department the past 10 months.  Georgia fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, seafood, dairy products and other food products will be featured.

“We have been successful in connecting Georgia producers with buyers and we want to continue.” Coleman says.  “That’s even more important with the high cost of energy affecting both buyers and sellers. Buying Georgia Grown makes good sense, and it’s good for you.”

On-site registration will be held at the show.  For pre-registration and questions, call (404) 656-5899.

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