Page 64 - Index

ATLANTA MARKET PROFILE
stores, inevitably you will see locally grown
signage and displays for both fruits and vege- tables. It appears, based on the sheer volume of these displays, that there is interest in local options. However, I don’t think people are willing to pay a premium for local like they may be willing to do for organic.”
Even Atlanta-based purveyors who source from around the country and beyond, however, have noticed an increasing interest in locally grown produce.
“We only sell in the Atlanta area to a mix of restaurants, caterers, golf courses and motels,” says Athena Farms’ Poole. “Only a small percentage of our produce comes from Georgia. It’s more than it was 10 years ago, but we get produce from wherever in this
world it is in season.”
e large distribution center at the heart
of Atlanta produce, a hub for the region, also still plays a role in helping supply Georgia residents with locally grown fruits and vege- tables.
“Judging from the success of the Georgia Grownprogram,Georgiaconsumersarevery loyal to Georgia Grown produce products,” says Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Howard. “We’re proud to play a role in what eventually makes it to the consumer.”
e produce favorites that have come to be known as uniquely Georgian are particu- larly prized by the locals.
“ e Georgia seasonal produce in demand includes Vidalia onions, watermelons, canta-
loupes, peaches, pecans, apples, blueberries, strawberries, peas, tomatoes and butterbeans,” says Howard.
e state is emerging as a source of a variety of produce that trails only the fruit and vegetable giants California and Florida.
“Georgia is blessed with a climate that allowstremendousopportunitiesforfarmers,” the Georgia Farm Bureau says on its website. “Virtually any crop can be grown successfully somewhere within the state. We’re known for our sweet Georgia peaches, our peanuts and those delicious Vidalia onions. But the state’s ag picture is so much larger. e census showed more than 42,000 farms operating across the state, with 9.6 million acres in production.” pb
64 / AUGUST 2019 / PRODUCE BUSINESS