I AM HONORED to welcome you to the 2019 Sunbelt
Ag Expo. Thank you for joining us for yet another
incredible year at North America’s Premier Farm Show.
I am con;dent that this week will once again be a
memorable one as attendees from across the Southeast
;ll the grounds to experience all the latest and greatest
developments in agriculture products, services and
technology.
Probably more than any other industry, agriculture
is known to have its challenges, but I believe it is safe
to say that never in the history of Georgia were those
challenges more apparent than this past year. As we
gathered in this same spot during this same time last
year, there were far more questions than answers as
our farmers and the entire South Georgia community
struggled to grasp the full impact of Hurricane Michael.
As we look back at that trying time, it seems so
appropriate that the ;rst time our agricultural family
was able to truly come together after the storm was
here at the Expo. Sunbelt has always been the place to
get the ;rst glimpse of innovative technology, ;nd the
latest information and learn the newest techniques.
Yet the true spirit of what makes this place so special
is the opportunity to visit with fellow members of the
agricultural community who have similar goals and
challenges. This common purpose was on full display
when our farmers needed it the most, thanks in part
to the relationships forged and conversations had
here at the Expo. Today Georgia agriculture continues
to recover ensuring Georgia’s number one industry
remains the economic engine that drives our state.
We encourage you to share a spirit of fellowship
this year and come visit us in the Georgia Agriculture
Building located near the main entrance of the Expo.
Now in our ninth year, this partnership between the
Georgia Farm Bureau Federation and the Georgia
Department of Agriculture offers visitors the
opportunity to enjoy cooking demonstrations, renew
their subscription to the Farmers and Consumers
Market Bulletin, peruse a portion of the Faces of
Georgia Agriculture photo exhibit, and much more.
Each year this event brings many new and exciting
opportunities to our state, and I am con;dent that this
edition of the Sunbelt Ag Expo will not disappoint. I
would like to wish all of our exhibitors and attendees a
successful week, and I look forward to visiting with you
over the next few days.
Welcome from Georgia’s
Commissioner of Agriculture
Gary W. Black
Commissioner
GEORGIA AG COMMISSIONER