Georgia Grown Thanksgiving Farm Tour 2017

This is the perfect time of year to slow down and become more mindful of the good things that surround us every day. As the holidays approach and we begin planning special time with our families, there's a consistent theme that ties us all together- the meals we will gather around. Sharing food with the people we love is a cornerstone of holiday tradition around the world, and Georgians have an opportunity to make that experience even more meaningful.

Georgia's agriculture industry is extremely diverse, and still the number one industry in the state- we produce everything from collards to cotton, and so much more. Besides the obvious economic impact- over $75 billon and 375,000 employees- Georgia farmers are leading the nation in poultry products, pecans, peanuts, and blueberries, and have inspired a booming Agritourism market. Not only are we capable of supporting food giants in the industry, many smaller food businesses are "cropping" up and putting out Georgia-grown goodness like specialty olive oils, wines, cheeses, spices, and more.

Georgia farmers have some added layers of support to help make all this growth possible – one being the Center of Innovation for Agribusiness. This agency provides technical expertise and collaborative research to everyone from small-town startups to Fortune 500 enterprises. The agriculture industry in Georgia is a tight-knit community, (it's not uncommon to receive a hug upon meeting someone new in the business, because as Project Manager Sarah Cook says, "We hug in Ag") and farms and food companies are feeling the love from the Center of Innovation's business development, crop research, and technological support.

Also working alongside Georgia farmers is the Department of Agriculture's marketing and development program, Georgia Grown. Georgia Grown brings together producers, suppliers, and retailers to create a thriving community within our state's growers and makers. The Georgia Grown logo can be found stamped on hundreds of local products, allowing customers to easily support local goods and the farmers who make it their life's work to provide them.

All of this great diversity in Georgia-grown products inspired a couple of things for us- first of all, rumbling tummies- followed closely by an idea. What if someone attempted to make an entire Thanksgiving meal using only Georgia-sourced ingredients? What a fresh concept, right? We'd be supporting our local farmers, spreading awareness about the agriculture industry, and preparing delicious, fresh recipes for our families for the holidays. Partnered with the Center of Innovation for Agribusiness and the Georgia Grown initiative, we decided to take this idea on the road. We would pick up the ingredients for this special meal, and spend time with some of Georgia's farm families along the way.

Armed with several coolers and a dream, Georgia Power's Economic Development team hit the road with Sarah Cook and Georgia Grown's Beth Meeks in pursuit of local delicacies for our Thanksgiving feast. Two days, 600 miles, and a completed shopping list later, our question was answered. Georgians have the unique ability to craft an entire meal using local ingredients that are fresher, more delicious, and that support our local agriculture economy. And we may be biased, but the resulting lunch was one of the most delicious we've ever experienced. See for yourself, and be sure to try some of the recipes used by Georgia Grown Chef Holly Chute at your family's holiday gatherings.