ATLANTA, GA – Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper announced today that five of Georgia’s Agricultural Commodity Commissions are seeking nominations from producers to serve on their respective commissions. The Commissions seeking nominations are beef, cotton, equine, tobacco, and soybean. Nomination forms are available on the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s website and will be accepted until May 23rd, 2025. Administered by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, these commissions oversee farmer-funded programs dedicated to strengthening Georgia’s #1 industry through research, education, and promotion of a number of Georgia Grown commodities.
“Georgia’s Agriculture Commodity Commissions play a vital role in the success of our state’s #1 industry,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “I strongly encourage our producers to take an active role by serving on these commissions—your voice and leadership are critical to the continued strength and success of Georgia agriculture.”
Producers can nominate themselves, be nominated by others, or receive a nomination from an affiliated organization for their commodity. Their role involves attending periodic meetings and making decisions on behalf of their peers. Commission members serve a three-year term, with the possibility of reappointment. They represent the interests of the commodity’s producers. The Commodity Commission Ex Officio Committee makes appointments to the commissions in July.
Commission Members with Expiring Terms:
- Beef Commission: Ernie Ford (Calhoun County), Chuck Joiner (Carroll County), and Allen Wiggins (Turner County)
- Cotton Commission: Matt Coley (Dooly County) and Steven Meeks (Wayne County)
- Equine Commission: Beth Williams (Oconee County) and Cassie Taylor (Telfair County)
- Tobacco Commission: Chance Callaway (Evans County)
- Soybean Commission: Brian Ogletree (Lamar County) and Jesse Patrick (Morgan County)
Nomination forms are available on the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s dedicated commodity commission webpage or can be requested via email. Completed forms should be submitted by email or mail to:
Georgia Dept of Agriculture
ATTN: Fred Rayfield
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW.
Suite 324
Atlanta, GA 30334
For further information, please contact Fred Rayfield at 404-727-7899 or fred.rayfield@agr.georgia.gov.
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