By Tyler J Harper
Georgia’s specialty crop growers are the backbone of a diverse and resilient agricultural economy. From fruits and tree nuts to vegetables, specialty crops play a critical role in feeding families, supporting rural communities and strengthening Georgia’s position as a national leader in agriculture. In 2024 alone, specialty crops contributed a massive $1.5 billion farm-gate value and supported thousands of jobs across the state.
For decades, Georgia producers have built strong markets at home and abroad. Our blueberries, pecans, cucumbers, sweet corn and other high-value crops are shipped across the country and around the world, earning a reputation for quality and consistency. That success has been driven by hardworking producers who continually adapt to changing markets, weather patterns and consumer demands.
But as recent years have made clear, agriculture does not operate in a stable environment. Global trade shifts, rising input costs, transportation challenges and supply-chain disruptions have underscored a simple truth: Long-term resilience requires more than strong production; it requires strong infrastructure and diversified markets.
That is where the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program is making a meaningful difference.
Beyond Production
Funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered in partnership with states, RFSI helps producers move beyond raw production and into processing, aggregation, storage and distribution capacity that keeps more value within Georgia. Across the state, these investments are helping growers and producer groups modernize and expand their operations. Whether it is cold storage for fresh produce, wash-and-pack facilities, flash-freezing systems, value-added processing equipment, or improved packaging and labeling capabilities, RFSI projects are creating new pathways for Georgia products to reach consumers more efficiently and competitively.
The impact is both economic and strategic. When Georgia producers can process, package and market their own products — rather than relying solely on external handlers — they capture a greater share of the value chain. That means stronger margins for farmers, more local jobs in rural communities and increased stability in the face of market volatility.
Strengthening Infrastructure
Just as importantly, these investments strengthen local and regional food systems. Expanding processing and distribution capacity right here in Georgia reduces bottlenecks, improves supply-chain reliability, and increases access to fresh, locally produced foods for schools, retailers and families.
This is not about replacing existing markets. It is about expanding them.
Georgia’s specialty crop industry will always depend on a mix of domestic and international demand. But by building stronger infrastructure at home, we reduce vulnerability to disruptions beyond our control and create new opportunities for growth in value-added agriculture.
As agriculture commissioner, I believe one of my most important responsibilities is ensuring Georgia farmers have the tools they need to compete in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Programs like RFSI are not simply grants. They are long-term investments in rural prosperity, food-system resilience and agricultural competitiveness.
In 2026, the USDA awarded the Georgia Department of Agriculture $8.5 million through the RFSI program. These funds are expected to benefit more than 1,200 local and regional producers, establish more than 6,000 new market outlets and support the development of more than 500 new value-added products across the state.
Georgia’s specialty crop producers have always been resilient, innovative and forward-looking. With continued investment in infrastructure and value-added capacity, we can ensure that they remain competitive, profitable and central to Georgia’s agricultural future for generations to come.
Visit www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/rfsi to learn more about RFSI for Georgia producers.
Tyler J Harper is the Georgia Agriculture Commissioner.