MOULTRIE, Ga. — Here are some things Georgia farmers are thankful for: rich soil, access to water, and a climate favorable for a long growing season.

Here’s another one, equally important: The folks in town. Bankers, lawyers, trucking companies, food processors, the list goes on and on, ending with consumers. Agriculture is Georgia’s largest economic sector, and that status depends on the cooperation between farmers in the state’s rural areas and their partners in town.

Farm-City Week highlights the relationship between the state’s farmers and their partners in urban areas who prepare, transport, market and retail the food and fiber farmers grow for the American consumer, according to a press release from the Colquitt County Farm Bureau. Kiwanis International began Farm-City Week in 1955 to increase the understanding of the partnership between urban and rural residents. Farm days at schools, farm tours, banquets and mayoral proclamations are just a few of the activities being held in communities across Georgia to mark this annual event.

Colquitt County Farm Bureau, along with other agri-business members of the Ag Committee of the Moultrie -Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce, sponsored and hosted an inaugural Harvest Celebration luncheon honoring the farmers of Colquitt County and their individual achievements during 2018. A steak lunch was served and cash door prizes donated by local agri-businesses were given away. Several agri-businesses also set up exhibits providing information and give-always for the attendees. During the luncheon, Chairman Terry Clark of the Colquitt County Board of Commissioners, a Farm Bureau member; Moultrie Mayor Bill McIntosh; and Ag Committee Chairman Allen McCorvey signed a Farm-City Declaration declaring Nov. 25-Dec. 1 as Farm-City Week in Colquitt County.

“Farmers are acutely aware that all businesses need support systems in order to thrive, and we certainly appreciate our friends inside the city limits for their contributions to our industry,” said Colquitt County Farm Bureau President, Stanley Bass. “Getting food, clothing and shelter to our consumers takes a cooperative effort.”

According to the University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development (CAED), food and fiber production and related processing directly and indirectly generated a total economic impact of $73.3 billion in 2016, accounting for 7.5 percent of the state’s economy. In addition, agriculture and related occupations supplied more than 383,600 jobs in 2016.

According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Georgia farmers led the nation in producing broilers, peanuts, pecans, and spring onions. Georgia was also in the top three production states for 16 other commodities. In 2018, the top ten commodities by value grown in Georgia were broilers, cotton, eggs, timber, peanuts, beef, greenhouse plants, dairy, pecans and blueberries.

Farm-City Week is a great time to discuss how the economy impacts farmers and consumers, the Farm Bureau said. When you look at the price of groceries, note that farmers receive on average 15 cents out of every dollar spent on food at home and away from home, USDA statistics show. The rest of the food cost covers the expenses of wages and materials for food preparation, marketing, transportation and distribution, all of which have increased in price, too.

Founded in 1937, Georgia Farm Bureau is the state’s largest general farm organization. Its volunteer members actively participate in activities that promote agriculture awareness to their non-farming neighbors. If you would like more information about agriculture please visit www.gfb.org, like Georgia Farm Bureau on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @GaFarmBureau.