Seafood industry professionals in Georgia will gather at the Georgia Seafood Summit on February 24 in Metter to discuss new developments in food labeling, safety standards, and consumer preferences. The event is organized by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant in partnership with the Georgia Grown program.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper emphasized the importance of supporting local seafood producers. “Supporting Georgia’s seafood producers is a top priority for all of us at the Georgia Department of Agriculture,” said Harper. “I’m proud that our Georgia Grown program is partnering with UGA Marine Extension to host the Georgia Seafood Summit. This event will provide our seafood producers with valuable guidance and resources as we work together to deliver top-quality products to Georgia consumers and strengthen our state’s number one industry—agriculture.”
The summit aims to give seafood producers, processors, and service providers practical information and opportunities for networking within the supply chain. Erin Arneson, seafood specialist with UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, said, “Seafood businesses operate in a dynamic environment shaped by regulation, innovation and changing consumer preferences. The Georgia Seafood Summit offers a space for industry members to learn, share experiences and build relationships that support long‑term success.”
Sessions during the summit will cover trends in processing technology, regulatory updates affecting operations, strategies for meeting Food Safety Modernization Act requirements including FDA traceability rules, and collaboration across regional supply chains.
Additional events include the free Georgia Grown Social networking event on February 24 at Ogeechee Technical College’s Jack Hill Atrium in Statesboro; advance RSVP is required by February 16. On February 25, an optional Sanitation Control Procedures training aligned with FDA FSMA requirements will be held at the same location as the summit. Those who complete this course receive certification from the Association of Food and Drug Officials.
Attendance at both the summit and social event is free but requires registration; there is a $130 fee for the sanitation training course. More details are available at https://gacoast.uga.edu/georgiaseafoodsummit/.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture supports agricultural activities statewide through programs such as Georgia Grown, which connects local producers with buyers and promotes sustainability within agriculture. The department also fosters agritourism across Georgia and works to protect agriculture while promoting consumer interests and ensuring safe food supplies (source). Commissioner Tyler Harper leads these efforts (source).
UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant focuses on improving environmental, social, and economic health along the coast through research, education, extension services, workforce development initiatives, and partnerships with local communities.
