Georgia, often synonymous with its peaches, actually holds a diverse agricultural portfolio, as revealed by the 2012 Census of Agriculture.
The state's agricultural diversity extends into crop production, with nearly 1.3 million acres of cotton and leading the nation in peanut production with close to 732,000 acres. Moreover, Georgia's pecan farms are recognized as the top producers worldwide. The 2012 census also highlighted a growing diversity among Georgia's farmers, with increased representation from Black, Asian, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Hispanic origins. The innovation within the sector is evident through the 90 organic farms and 343 farms producing on-farm renewable energy, primarily via solar panels.
Despite an average farmer age of 59.9 years, Georgia is seeing a surge of new entrants under 35 years old, indicating a vibrant future for the state's agriculture. The 2012 Census of Agriculture offers an extensive look into Georgia's agricultural sector, underscoring its significant contributions and evolving landscape.
Source: USDA