Georgia vegetable producers voted in February to continue the one cent per marketing unit on 14 different vegetable crops produced in Georgia for another three years. Crops included are cabbage, beans, greens, bell pepper, specialty pepper, tomatoes, eggplant, carrots, beets, cantaloupe, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes and cucumbers.
The assessment applies to growers who produce at least 50 acres or more of any or all of the crops on an annual basis. The Georgia Vegetable Commission uses the funds to support research projects by the University of Georgia in areas of production, disease control, weed and insect management. The commission commits 75% or more of the funds towards research that impacts Georgia producers. This market order will be in effect for three years, and at that time it will be voted on again for approval. The approval rate was more than 90% voting in favor of continuation.
The Agricultural Commodity Commission for vegetables was created to promote and support vegetable growers throughout Georgia. Currently, the commission is funded through a-penny-a-box assessment on growers who grow 50 acres or more of vegetables.
The Georgia General Assembly established the marketing order in 2006 at the request of growers through the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association. Funds collected by the Georgia Vegetable Commission are used for research, education, and promotion of these crops. It is the policy that the commission allocates at least 75% of the money collected toward research projects by the University of Georgia and other research institutions that best serve the Georgia Growers.