Ag News
2026 GA Ag Impact Report a key resource for farm stakeholders
Posted on Feb 25, 2026 at 11:58 AM
By Dr. Nick Place
Produced by the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (CAES), the interactive 2026 Georgia Ag Impact Report provides research-backed insights into the value and reach of Georgia agriculture and serves as a practical resource for producers, educators, policymakers and media across the state.
At CAES, we work every day to support the people who grow our food and fiber and strengthen the communities they call home. The Georgia Ag Impact Report was built to help users better understand the scope of Georgia’s No. 1 industry by turning complex data into clear visuals and useful summaries that support informed decision making. Whether you are a producer looking for county level numbers, a legislator considering policy priorities, or an educator bringing real world data into the classroom, this online tool makes it easy to explore and share Georgia’s agricultural story.
A Statewide Look at Georgia Agriculture
At the heart of the 2026 report is data drawn from the 2024 Georgia Farm Gate Value Report, which measures the annual value of food and fiber production statewide. Those figures are gathered with help from UGA Cooperative Extension agents in every corner of Georgia and analyzed by economists in the CAES Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics.
The numbers reinforce the fact that agriculture remains our state’s most productive economic sector, touching each and every part of our lives. In 2024, Georgia’s agricultural commodities generated more than $18 billion in direct value, an increase from the previous year. When processing, manufacturing and other related industries are included, agriculture’s total economic impact climbs to more than $100 billion and supports over 370,400 jobs across Georgia.
The report also highlights agriculture’s presence at the local level. Nearly 75 percent of Georgia counties are involved in poultry and egg production, and farms utilize close to 10 million acres of land statewide. The average Georgia farm spans about 235 acres, underscoring the diversity of operations that shape Georgia’s agricultural landscape.
Top Commodities and National Strength
Another popular feature of the report is its snapshot of Georgia’s leading commodities. Broilers remain the state’s top product, contributing more than $6.1 billion and accounting for over a third of the farm gate value. Beef, eggs and peanuts follow closely behind, with greenhouse production, cotton, timber, dairy, corn and blueberries also playing major roles.
The data also confirm Georgia’s strong position on the national stage. The state ranks No. 1 in broiler and peanut production and consistently places among the top producers of pecans, watermelons and cotton. Forestry continues to be a major contributor as well, supporting industries that range from paper and packaging to construction and furniture.
A Resource for Every Corner of Georgia
For producers and agribusiness owners, the report provides a clearer picture of how local production fits into the bigger economic picture. For policymakers, it offers credible data to inform decisions that affect rural communities and the state’s food and fiber system. Educators can use the visuals and summaries to bring agricultural economics to life for students, while media professionals can quickly access reliable, up-to-date statistics. And for Georgia Farm Bureau members, wherever you fit into the categories above, we hope that the Georgia Ag Impact Report will be a resource you return to often.
Agriculture touches every part of Georgia, from small family farms to global markets, and CAES is proud to provide the resources to help agriculture thrive.
Nick Place is dean and director of UGA’s College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. Dean Place contributes an article to Field Notes quarterly.
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