“I believe the land and products of the land are actually a magnet to the soul,” says Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black.
Commissioner Gary Black’s commitment to Georgia’s agriculture business has been phenomenal. Now in his second term as the state’s agriculture commissioner, Black is Georgia Trend’s 2017 Georgian of the Year.
“As agribusiness continues to be Georgia’s largest industry, Commissioner Black’s steadfast leadership has been essential to maintaining Georgia’s position as the No. 1 state in which to do business,” stated Gov. Nathan Deal.
Black firmly believes that healthy agriculture is the key to assuring a healthy economy for Georgia. He and his team have constantly worked to revamp the Georgia Grown program, an economic development effort that promotes locally grown products and assists agribusinesses, has united producers, processors, retailers and consumers statewide. The program initiatives emphasize the importance of agriculture related-jobs and the many contributions of farmers and ranchers to the industry’s success.
Georgia departments of agriculture, education, and public health are developing a 2020 Vision Program which aims to have all schools breakfast and lunch menus consist of 20 percent Georgia Grown products. Black looks forward to the long-term benefits of the program, and is positive that it will help improve academics, arts, and athletics within the community.
Join us in congratulating Commissioner Black for his steadfast leadership to the citizens of Georgia and this well deserved honor.
