The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) hosted its fourth annual Picnic on the Farm August 23 at Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge, raising more than $50,000 to support the foundation’s agricultural education and outreach programs.

The event offered guests a full day in the orchard, including picking apples, picnic lunches featuring Mercier’s famous fried apple pies, tractor tours led by owner Tim Mercier, and live bluegrass music performed by The Silver Valley Boys.

“It was a wonderful day with beautiful weather, great food, and outstanding music,” said Lily Baucom, Georgia Foundation for Agriculture executive director. “This event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our venue sponsor, Mercier Orchards, who welcomed us and helped everything run smoothly.”

Funds raised will directly support GFA’s programs, including scholarships, classroom outreach, and mental health resources for farmers. The foundation’s mission focuses on preparing Georgia’s next generation of agricultural leaders.

Mercier Orchards, which spans more than 300 acres in Blue Ridge and has been family owned and operated since 1943, is a Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Market. The orchard provided the ideal backdrop for showcasing Georgia’s apple industry. To further connect guests with local agriculture, GFA provided each attendee with a Georgia Farm Passport, encouraging them to explore other Certified Farm Markets across the state.

“This was truly a collaborative effort,” Baucom said. “We were proud to partner with Georgia Farm Bureau, our presenting sponsor, to host this event at one of the approximately 100 farms in the organization’s Certified Farm Market program. From sponsors and vendors to volunteers and guests, everyone played a role in making this year’s Picnic on the Farm a success.”

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is Georgia Farm Bureau’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to prepare the next generation of Georgia agricultural leaders for success. To learn more, visit www.gafoundationag.org .

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture thanks the following sponsors for making the 2025 Picnic on the Farm possible: Georgia Farm Bureau, Mercier Orchards, Farm Bureau Bank, Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation, AgGeorgia Farm Credit, Alliant Insurance Services, Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, Marc & Teresa West, Anthem BCBS, Barrow County Farm Bureau, Cobb County Farm Bureau, Fannin County Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Poultry Federation, Guy Carpenter, Hays-LTI, James Bates Brannan Groover, LLP, Mariner, Sapiens, Truist, Crestview Angus, Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods, Pike Creek Turf, Sunbelt Ag Expo, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Custom Livestock Solutions, Georgia Grown Citrus and Deidre Martin Mercer.