ATLANTA, GA — On Friday, May 1, 2026, Georgia Grown, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), will host the first-ever “Georgia Grown in ATL” event at the Atlanta University Center Consortium. This historic event will highlight the wide range of career opportunities in the agriculture industry for Atlanta HBCU students in a relaxed atmosphere and will conclude with a panel discussion on access to capital, resources for new & beginning farmers, and opportunities in agriculture.
WHO:
- Tyler J Harper, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Agriculture
- Bruce LeVell, Director of Public and Private Partnerships, USDA
- Alex Cordova, Deputy Director, USDA Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
- Nikki Thomas, Deputy State Executive Director, USDA Farm Service Agency
- Rudolph Terrance, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service
WHAT:
The “Georgia Grown in ATL” Event is an effort to connect students with agriculture careers, food systems, and economic opportunities in Georgia’s #1 industry – agriculture. Students from Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morris Brown College will explore careers across agribusiness, sustainability, public service, and modern food systems.
The Event includes a “Networking Block Party” featuring a DJ onsite from 11AM-3PM, free lunch (with student ID) from Das BBQ and giveaways from other Georgia Grown vendors including King of Pops, YUM! Ice Cream, and Jaemor Farms, as well as outreach specialists from Georgia Grown, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the United States Department of Agriculture, and private sector partners will be available to discuss career opportunities in the agriculture industry. The event will conclude with a panel discussion featuring Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper and moderated by USDA Director of Public & Private Partnership Bruce LeVell on resources for new and beginning farmers, access to capital, agricultural lending, and career opportunities outside of production agriculture.
WHY:
The average age of a Georgia farmer is over 60 years old. At the same time, 64% of Georgia farmers are over 55 years old, while just 7% of Georgia farmers are under the age of 35. Similar to the skilled trades where the retirement-to-replacement ratio is 5:2, in the next 10-20 years Georgia's #1 industry is likely to experience significant workforce shortage. The Georgia Department of Agriculture is committed to investing in the young men and women that are currently farming, while also working to bring new people into our industry.
WHEN:
Friday, May 1, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Clark Atlanta University – Roosevelt Hall
660 Atlanta Student Movement Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30314
MEDIA RSVP:
Matthew Agvent, Communications Director
770-238-7216
Matthew.Agvent@agr.georgia.gov