U.S. Department of Agriculture Leadership in Georgia Visits Peachtree Farm, Discusses Urban Agriculture Initiative

Contact: Jay Ivey
Jay.Ivey@usda.gov
706-510-5318

ATHENS, Ga., Feb. 6, 2023 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Arthur Tripp, recently visited Peachtree Farm in Gwinnett County for a tour and roundtable discussion with urban agriculture producers, local students, and agricultural leaders to discuss USDA resources and the Department’s new urban
agriculture initiative.

“From hydroponic greenhouses to school and community gardens, urban agriculture benefits communities by providing jobs, beautifying neighborhoods, and providing access to fresh, healthy food,” said Tripp. “As we work to advance our urban agriculture initiative, it is extremely important that we engage with a variety of agricultural producers and stakeholders to determine how USDA resources can best benefit their businesses and communities.”

FSA is committed to equitably serving all farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners through commodity price support, conservation, disaster assistance, and loan programs. During the visit at Peachtree Farm, the key topics of conversation revolved around how FSA can best provide support to urban agricultural producers in Georgia through farm programs and access to capital.

Peachtree Farm produces locally grown produce for the Metro Atlanta area through hydroponic farming. The practice of hydroponic farming involves sustainably growing plants in a controlled environment where the roots are grown in water. A hydroponic greenhouse creates ideal growing conditions for the plants, and a water and perlite mixture provide plants the nutrients needed to grow healthy produce.

Along with growing produce sustainably through hydroponic farming, the central mission of Peachtree Farm is to provide equitable job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The hands on, engaging, and accessible nature of farming creates a unique opportunity for the individuals with disabilities employed by the farm. Jobs performed by these individuals include grounds maintenance, plant care, harvesting fruits and vegetables, packing for sale, and running a farm stand. These jobs promote and strengthen skills that are transferable to other positions.

“As with all things Peachtree Farm does, interconnectivity and support are essential. We are excited to be working with the Farm Service Agency and to have their support. The visit with Director Tripp provided an opportunity to learn about financial assistance and programs that will help increase our agricultural production.
This will allow us to further our mission of providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities and the broader Metro Atlanta community,” said Joe Twiner, Executive Director of Peachtree Farm. Georgia’s FSA has 67 offices and 333 employees around the state. Producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA service center and schedule a meeting to determine the programs and loans that best suit their operational goals. During the first visit with FSA, producers should bring documents including proof of identity, proof of ownership, leases, and entity identification status.

Producers can learn more about FSA assistance options at fsa.usda.gov or by contacting their local USDA service center.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.