Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper recently announced that five of Georgia’s Agricultural Commodity Commissions are seeking nominations from producers to serve on their respective commissions. 

Nomination forms are available on the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s website and will be accepted until May 23.

Administered by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, these commissions oversee farmer-funded programs dedicated to strengthening Georgia’s No. 1 industry through research, education and promotion of a number of Georgia Grown commodities.

“Georgia’s Agriculture Commodity Commissions remain a cornerstone of our state’s No. 1 industry, driving innovation and growth through research, market development and education,” Harper said. “As we look to the future of agriculture in Georgia, I encourage our producers to take an active role by serving on these commissions — your voice and leadership are critical to the continued strength and sustainability of agriculture in our state.”

Producers can nominate themselves, be nominated by others, or receive a nomination from an affiliated organization for their commodity. Their role involves attending periodic meetings and making decisions on behalf of their peers. Commission members serve a three-year term, with the possibility of  reappointment. They represent the interests of the commodity’s producers. The Commodity Commission Ex Officio Committee makes appointments to the commissions in July.

Commission members with expiring terms include:

• Beef Commission: Ernie Ford, Calhoun County; Chuck Joiner, Carroll County; and Allen Wiggins, Turner County.
• Cotton Commission: Matt Coley, Dooly County; and Steven Meeks, Wayne County.
• Equine Commission: Beth Williams, Oconee County; and Cassie Taylor, Telfair County.
• Tobacco Commission: Chance Callaway, Evans County.
• Soybean Commission: Brian Ogletree, Lamar County; and Jesse Patrick, Morgan County.

Nomination forms are available on the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s dedicated commodity commission webpage or can be requested via email. Completed forms should be submitted by email or mail to: Georgia Department of Agriculture, Attn: Fred Rayfield, 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW., Suite 324, Atlanta, Georgia 30334.

For further information, contact Fred Rayfield at 404-727-7899 or email him at fred.rayfield@agr.georgia.gov.