As Georgia’s No. 1 economic driver, agriculture is a $100.4 billion industry that employs around 400,000 Georgians statewide, according to Tyler J. Harper, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Harper, along with Bruce LeVell, Director of Public-Private Partnerships, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement Office of the Secretary, USDA; Nikki Thomas, Deputy State Executive Director Farm Service Agency; Alex Cordova; Deputy Director, USDA Center of Faith; Terrance Rudolph, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service; and Rodney Brooks, Regional Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Coordinator, USDA FSA, participated in Growing Futures, a collaborative agricultural opportunities event hosted by the Atlanta University Center Consortium, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and Urban Agriculture on Friday, May 1, 2026.
The leadership event served as a strategic centerpiece to bring together federal, state, and industry leaders to align on actionable solutions in land access, workforce development, and agricultural innovation. In addition, the event featured workshops on farming and agricultural education, farm and land ownership sessions, a livestock and produce showcase, and a free lunch for students.
“We’re doing this event today, and have done others like it, to encourage young men and women to have an interest in this industry, said Harper. “When you look at our nation and the success of our nation, it really is rooted in what agriculture is about, and if agriculture is not successful, America won’t be successful.”
The event provided students in the Atlanta University Center Consortium with an opportunity to gain exposure to and engage with stakeholders across the federal, state, and local agricultural sectors. For the AUCC, integrating agriculture into the academic landscape of its member institutions remains a growing priority.
“More than a student and community engagement activity, this event served as a strategic convening that positions the Atlanta University Center as a bridge between federal priorities, state leadership, and community-based implementation,” said Dr. Michael Hines, Senior Director of Strategic Innovation and Academic Initiatives for Atlanta University Center Consortium. “The event advances the Consortium’s priorities across student success, economic development, academic innovation, and strategic partnerships.”
Driven by urbanization, climate change, and food security concerns, urban gardening has evolved from a backyard pastime into a booming economic sector. “The convening was not an endpoint, but a launch point for deeper engagement—potentially leading to pilot programs in urban agriculture, applied research, and workforce credentialing across the AUC,” said Hines, who added that introducing agriculture into an urban academic environment expands awareness, increases access to resources, and contributes to a more equitable and resilient food system.
Exploring the importance of agriculture, the event aimed to educate and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders, reinforcing the industry’s critical role in America’s future success.
Even more important, said Hines, is that “Ultimately, this event reflected the power of the Atlanta University Center as a collective, leveraging its scale, talent, and partnerships to drive meaningful impact at the intersection of education, innovation, and community development.”
For resources and more information, visit the following links:
USDA’s Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production
Investments is Urban Agriculture
