Dear UAC Members,
As we look toward the future of the Georgia Urban Ag Council, I am thrilled to introduce a significant milestone in our communication strategy: our new bi-annual magazine, Industry Insights. This publication is designed to be more than just a newsletter; it is a dedicated resource to provide you with news, legislative updates, deep dives into the trends currently shaping our professional industry, and more
The landscape of our industry is shifting rapidly, influenced by complex factors ranging from private equity involvement to critical workforce shortages. To navigate these challenges effectively, the UAC Board met in 2025 for pivotal strategic planning retreat to redefine our trajectory. The result is a comprehensive roadmap that prioritizes advocacy, education, and career development. We envision a future where UAC stands as the definitive, unifying voice for Georgia’s urban agriculture industry, empowering professionalism through leadership and innovation.
However, this vision is not something the Board can achieve in isolation. To ensure every voice is heard and every initiative is focused, we utilize a structured advisory framework where the committees serve as the engine for innovation and strategy. It is with this spirit of collaboration that I invite you to step into a leadership role by joining one of our 2026 Standing Committees. This is a rewarding way to contribute your unique expertise and help drive the research and recommendations that will shape our industry’s future.
Committees are charged with researching and making formal recommendations to the UAC Board, meeting 3-4 times annually via Zoom or in person. Our initial meetings for this cycle will begin in June 2026. We are currently seeking member participants for the following:
- Membership Committee: This group focuses on strengthening and growing our professional community. Core objectives include reviewing and refining the UAC due’s structure and addressing the specific impacts of industry business consolidations.
- Education Committee: As we strive to become the "go-to" resource for professional development, this committee leads the way in workforce development and industry knowledge. You will help evaluate current educational programs and identify new learning opportunities to keep our members competitive.
- Legislative Committee: This committee serves as our "Policy Champion," advocating for our industry at the Capitol. Directed by Bryan Tolar, the committee coordinates advocacy efforts to protect the interests of Georgia’s urban agriculture professionals.
Why Your Participation Matters
Our new mission is clear: the Georgia Urban Ag Council fuels the growth of our industry by strengthening professional standards, delivering high-quality education, and cultivating the next-generation workforce. By joining a committee, you ensure that our activities align directly with the skills the current and future workforce needs and that our legislative voice remains powerful and unified. Each committee is designed to be inclusive, comprising at least two Board members and up to five UAC members, ensuring a diverse and vibrant community of peers.
Get Involved Today
Take this opportunity to give back to your professional community and help UAC grow. If you are interested in becoming more involved, please email us at [email protected] with your preferred committee and a brief note regarding your area of interest.
We invite you to join us in this journey as we work together to grow a stronger, more sustainable urban ag industry in Georgia. If you have any questions about these roles or the new magazine, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Warm regards,
Mary Kay Woodworth
Executive Director
Georgia Urban Ag Council
