To highlight the importance of farmers and agribusinesses to our state, March 19 is designated as Agriculture Day in Georgia.  To celebrate, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Agriculture in the Classroom Council, Inc., are sponsoring an essay and art contest for Georgia students. 

Students submitting an essay in the contest should explain why locally grown or Georgia grown agricultural products are a better choice for their families, for farmers, for the state and for the environment. 

The contest is restricted to Georgia students.  Contest entries should be mailed to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Room 224, 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4250.

Deadline for entries is February 1, 2009 (postmarked).

All entries become the property of the Georgia Department of Agriculture and cannot be returned.

First place winners in each division will be awarded $200; second and third place winners will receive commemorative certificates.  Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin will invite the first place winners to Atlanta for a special awards presentation.  Winners will be announced in the Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin.

Any questions should be directed to Ms. Teresa Jenkins, office of consumer services, Georgia Department of Agriculture, 404-656-3645 or 1-800-282-5852.