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Georgia Department of Agriculture Announces Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program Update

The Georgia Department of Agriculture has announced that Georgia’s Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program is nearing final approval and is expected to open soon. Since Hurricane Helene impacted Georgia’s agricultural community, GGIA has remained actively engaged — responding to requests for information, providing data, definitions, and industry-specific context, sharing member experiences, and helping keep lines of communication open as the program has taken shape. We know many

Dec 18, 20251 min read

New GDA Pest Alert: Brown Winged Plant Hopper

The Georgia Department of Agriculture has released an official Pest Alert regarding the Brown Winged Plant Hopper (BWP), Pochazia shantungensis , an invasive insect recently detected in Georgia. Native to China and present in several other countries, this pest has been reported as damaging to fruit trees in South Korea. Its potential impact on Georgia agriculture is not yet known. BWP has been recorded on more than 200 plant species across 81 plant families, with fruit tree

Dec 2, 20251 min read

GGIA Service Day Brings the Wayne Juers Plant Identification Trail to Life — and a Ribbon Cutting Celebration to Remember

On November 5, 2025, GGIA members, volunteers, educators and industry partners gathered at Camp John Hope in Fort Valley, Georgia, for a Service Day unlike any other. Together, they brought to life the Wayne Juers Plant Identification Trail — the first official GGIA Junior Certified Plant Professional (GJCPP) Trail in Georgia. Just over a week later, on November 13, that hard work came full circle as educators, FFA members, industry leaders and partners from across the state

Nov 24, 20253 min read

GGIA’s Own Lanie Riner Honored with National FFA’s Highest Recognition

Lanie Riner has been selected to receive one of the most prestigious honors in agricultural education—the Honorary American FFA Degree. Each year, the National FFA Organization recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to agricultural education and youth leadership. The Honorary American FFA Degree is reserved for those who have made a lasting impact on students’ lives, helping shape the next generation of agriculturists and community leaders.

Nov 6, 20251 min read