Survey Seeks Input from Georgia Farmers on Economic Challenges

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA), Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB), and the University of Georgia College of Public Health, have partnered to launch the Georgia Farm Profitability Survey, a statewide effort to better understand the economic challenges facing Georgia farmers.

The survey is designed to collect Georgia-specific data directly from farmers to better understand the factors affecting profitability and identify opportunities to strengthen agriculture statewide. Findings will help inform future communications, grassroots engagement, and policy discussions while providing credible, research-backed data to support advocacy efforts on behalf of Georgia agriculture.

"We know Georgia farmers are facing significant challenges, and we want to hear directly from them," said Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. "This survey will help us better understand the issues affecting profitability so we can focus our efforts where they will make the greatest impact for Georgia’s farm families."

The anonymous survey will be open to all Georgia farmers from July 1 through July 31, 2026. It takes about 10 minutes to complete. Visit https://gfb.ag/survey to take the survey.

The project is funded by the GFA. Research oversight and analysis are being led collaboratively by Dr. Christina Proctor, researcher with the University of Georgia College of Public Health, and Dr. Stephanie Basey, founder of The Hive Research Collective and a research consultant working with the GFA. GFB is coordinating statewide promotion and survey distribution with support from agricultural industry partners to encourage participation from farmers across Georgia.

Following the survey period, the data will be analyzed, and GFA and GFB will jointly develop a report highlighting key results. The results will help inform future agricultural initiatives, communication efforts, and advocacy priorities, including the ongoing Strong Farms Strong Georgia campaign. Visit www.gfb.org/strong-farms-strong-georgia-initiative  to learn more about the campaign and to access resources farmers and agribusinesses can use to educate consumers.

Each year the GFB Board of Directors identifies priority issues affecting Georgia agriculture for the organization to focus its advocacy efforts on. As farm economics continued to worsen in 2025, the GFB Board identified the sustainability of the family farm as the organization's top priority for 2026. Farm profitability has decreased in recent years as producers navigate rising production costs, fluctuating commodity markets, labor challenges, weather-related losses and other economic pressures.

Georgia farmers are encouraged to participate to ensure the survey reflects the experiences and perspectives of agriculture across the state.

For questions about the survey, please contact info@gafoundationag.org.

Georgia Foundation for Agriculture Expands Mental Wellness Training Efforts Across Rural Georgia

As Mental Health Awareness Month is recognized this May, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is continuing to strengthen efforts that support mental wellness in Georgia’s agricultural and rural communities.

Earlier this month, Whitney Sangster, Development Coordinator for the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, and GFA board member Dr. Deidre Mercer Martin completed the COMET™ Regional Community Trainer Workshop and are now certified regional community trainers.

COMET™ (Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory) is a community-based training program designed to help individuals feel more confident recognizing signs of mental and emotional distress, starting meaningful conversations, and connecting others with support when needed.

The training brought together advocates and professionals from across Georgia representing agriculture, rural communities, veteran organizations, higher education, mental health organizations, and community support networks. Participants completed training focused on prevention, community well-being, communication strategies, and practical tools for responding to real-world situations.

This work is especially important in rural communities where mental health resources may be limited and trusted relationships often play a vital role in connecting people with support and resources.

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is especially thankful for the support of CareSource, whose grant investment is helping make this work possible. Through this initiative, GFA is building and supporting a growing network of regional trainers across Georgia to expand access to mental wellness education, strengthen local support systems, and continue building momentum for mental health conversations in agriculture and rural communities.

GFA looks forward to helping lead future trainings and expanding opportunities for communities across the state to participate.

About the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture remains committed to supporting the well-being of Georgia farmers, families, and rural communities through education, partnerships, and community-centered initiatives that strengthen agriculture from the ground up.

Organizations, community leaders, and individuals interested in becoming regional trainers or hosting community trainings are encouraged to contact the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture at info@gafoundationag.org to learn more.

Georgia Foundation for Agriculture Receives Community Mission Fund Grant to Support Georgia Ag Experience

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is proud to share that we have received support through the AgGeorgia Farm Credit Community Mission Fund to help further our Georgia Ag Experience Mobile Classroom initiative.

We are incredibly thankful for partners like AgGeorgia Farm Credit who continue investing in organizations and programs that strengthen communities across Georgia and support meaningful local impact.

The Georgia Ag Experience is a mobile classroom that brings agriculture directly to students across the state through hands-on educational experiences. The program helps students explore Georgia agriculture, learn where their food and fiber come from, and discover the many career opportunities available within the industry.

Through interactive lessons and activities, the Georgia Ag Experience works to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders while increasing agricultural literacy in communities throughout Georgia.

Support like this helps make those experiences possible and allows us to continue reaching students, teachers, and communities statewide.

Sharing the Opportunity with Other Non-Profits

As a recipient of this funding, we also wanted to share this opportunity with other organizations in our network.

Applications for the AgGeorgia Farm Credit Community Mission Fund are currently open through June 1. The program supports organizations and initiatives working to create positive change and strengthen local communities.

If your nonprofit or community organization is leading impactful work, we encourage you to learn more and consider applying. Learn more and apply here: AgGeorgia Community Mission Fund Program Details and Application

We are grateful for AgGeorgia Farm Credit’s partnership and their continued investment in agriculture, education, and community impact across Georgia.

About the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is on a mission to prepare the next generation of Georgia leaders for success in agriculture. Through educational programs and initiatives focused on students, teachers, and farmers, the Foundation works to strengthen the future of agriculture across Georgia through its SEED, GROW, and HARVEST program areas.