Georgia USDA Leadership Brings the Farm Experience to Over 1,600 Metro Atlanta Students

Contact: Asa Porter
Asa.Porter@usda.gov
706-510-5318

ATHENS, Ga., Oct. 17, 2022 – USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director, Arthur Tripp, recently hosted educational events on agriculture at schools in the Metro Atlanta area to launch USDA’s urban agriculture initiative for the state of Georgia. These events brought the farm-to-school experience to over 1,600 local students with live animals and an immersive learning experience. The students interacted with cows, donkeys, sheep, goats, chickens, and participated in a live honey extraction. Additionally, Tripp met with local elected officials and community leaders to discuss how they can work together with USDA to promote youth involvement in agriculture.

“Exposing our students to agriculture ensures the continued success of Georgia agriculture, the number one industry in our state. It was remarkable to witness these students interact with agriculture for the very first time,” said Tripp. “As we work to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders, it is imperative that we continue to bring these types of experiences to the young people in Georgia.”

A kickoff event was held at Chattahoochee Hills Charter School followed by events at Luther J. Price Middle School in Fulton County and Lovin Elementary School in Gwinnett County. USDA recently announced $43.1 million in grants and cooperative agreements to help deliver key USDA programs to urban producers in twelve
designated cities including Atlanta. These education events in Atlanta schools were held to amplify USDA’s new initiative which is focused on the advancement of urban agriculture in Georgia and the promotion of career pathways for the next generation of agricultural producers and leaders in the agriculture industry.

The USDA is working to increase urban agriculture as it plays an important role in providing jobs, beautifying neighborhoods, and offering access to fresh, healthy food in areas where grocery stores are scarce. USDA’s investment of $43.1 million in grants and cooperative agreements supports the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects. From creating new and sustainable farmers markets to expanding compost and food waste reduction efforts, these funds are instrumental to urban producers and communities as we work to create a more resilient food supply chain and a fairer food system. Visit the Georgia FSA website to learn more about USDA’s Urban Agriculture Initiative.

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.