Georgia Grown Farmers
Showcase at Atlanta State Farmers Market
Chinese Southern Belle
and Causey Foods, Inc., registered
vendors

In 2012, the Georgia Department of Agriculture launched
the revitalized Georgia Grown program. As part of the program, Agriculture
Commissioner Gary W. Black announced today a new initiative to increase the
locally grown retail experience at the Atlanta State Farmers Market (ASFM).


The initiative kicks off with the free Georgia Grown
Farmers Showcase event Saturday, June 16. Representing the Smyrna-Vinings area
include Natalie and Margaret Keng with Chinese Southern Belle and Wynn Causey
Bakke of Causey Foods, Inc. These local companies are two of more than three
dozen vendors who will be on hand to meet and greet consumers and offer their
local products, such as specialty foods, barbecue sauces and spices and
seasonings.

“Agriculture is the biggest industry in our state and
this event will utilize the Atlanta State Farmers Market to show that off,” said
Commissioner Black. “Georgia Grown has been revitalized this year and this event
is one new effort to revitalize the retail side of the market. Whether you’ve
been before or never visited, this is the perfect opportunity to see what the
market is all about.”

On June 16, in addition to a wide range of Georgia Grown
fruits and vegetables, locally grown and produced meats, cheeses, plants and
flowers, and value added products (jams, jellies, honey, etc.) will be
showcased. Those from similar areas of the state will be grouped together to
regionally illustrate what agriculture in Georgia is all about.


Located off I-75 in Forest Park, the 150-acre market is
one of the largest of its kind in the world. Most often known for as a wholesale
food hub and terminal market, on June 16, Georgia Grown items will be the center
of attention. Georgia Farmers Sheds 13 and 14 will be closed to through-traffic
so visitors can park and walk through, mingling with vendors from across the
state.

Beyond the Georgia Grown Farmers Showcase event,
visitors can take advantage of on-site garden centers, wholesale and retail
shopping opportunities, restaurants and a Georgia Grown welcome center. Two more
Georgia Grown Farmers Showcase events are scheduled to take place this summer.
Learn more at www.GeorgiaGrown.com or on the Atlanta State
Farmers Market Facebook page.