Friday, September 30th, join us in celebrating Georgia's apples!
Fall is often apple picking time in the North Georgia Mountains. Most of Georgia’s apples are grown in Gilmer and Fannin Counties and the 2020 farm gate value of Georgia’s apple crop was $9,357,650. The Mountain Research and Education Center in Blairsville grows almost 2,000 apple trees for research, assisting apple growers in Georgia and North Carolina. Most importantly, fresh apples are delicious.
On Friday, September 30th, the Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Program and the Georgia Department of Agriculture are encouraging Georgians to celebrate apples with the BIG CRUNCH. To participate, at noon on that date, crunch into a locally grown apple! This collective crunch encourages healthy eating and supports farm to school initiatives and Georgia farmers. Post your photos using #GeorgiaGrown. We will be celebrating in North Georgia’s apple country!
For educators or families, the Georgia Department of Education has put together activities and resources for a true apple celebration. If you are interested in growing your own apple trees, UGA Extension’s Home Garden Apple publication will be a useful resource.
UGA’s Community & School Garden Coordinator, Becky Griffin, is ready for the BIG CRUNCH!
Becky is a Georgia Certified Beekeeper and works with community and school gardeners to increase beneficial insect habitat.She is the coordinator of the Great Georgia Pollinator Census, happening this year on August 19th and 20th, 2022.She is also part of UGA's Native Plants and Beneficial Insect Working Group.
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