The Georgia Department of Agriculture will host the second annual Georgia Grown Food Show to bring commercial food buyers and hospitality officials together with the state’s farmers.

The event will be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Aug. 18, in the Exhibition Hall at the Atlanta State Farmers Market in Forest Park.

Georgia producers will be matched with buyers, such as wholesale marketers, food retailers, restaurateurs, chefs and others in the hospitality industry, that believe it is important to buy agriculture products locally to ensure freshness, superior taste and good quality.   

“I encourage food vendors to come to this event and see how Georgia Grown products compare with those of other areas,” said Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin.

The food show will have approximately 70 booths showcasing Georgia fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, seafood, dairy products, jams, jellies and nuts. In addition, representatives from wineries, brewers, and other specialty groups will be in attendance. The show will also include booths featuring organically grown products.

Georgia Department of Agriculture representatives will be available to help any farmers interested with information regarding marketing, financing, distribution and exporting of their products.

All Georgia chefs, chef associations, restaurateurs and dietitians are invited to attend. Organizers expect to attract 250 to 500 chefs and restaurateurs with buyers and decision-makers from across the spectrum of the food and hospitality industries.

Admission is free. For more information or to register for the event, send an email message to GAGrownFoodShow@agr.state.ga.us or call (404) 656-5899 or (404) 656-3740.