Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and Georgia Grown are excited to announce the first annual Georgia Grown Bowl between Georgia State University and Georgia Southern University on Saturday, September 28, at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium in Atlanta. Georgia Grown is proud to partner with Georgia State and Georgia Southern to support each institution, highlight one of our state’s best, new rivalry games, and showcase Georgia’s #1 industry – agriculture. After the game, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper will present the winner of the Panthers vs. Eagles matchup with the Commissioner’s Cup – a symbol of Georgia’s excellence in agriculture, education, and athletics.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Georgia State and Georgia Southern to feature one of our state’s great, new rivalry games in the first-ever Georgia Grown Bowl,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “Like agriculture bridges the gap between rural and urban Georgia, athletics connects fans in every corner of our state and beyond, and the Georgia Grown Bowl is an awesome opportunity to bring together farmers and fans through agriculture and athletics. At Georgia Grown, we’re committed to promoting our state’s #1 industry and telling the story of Georgia agriculture to new audiences, and this partnership will help us do exactly that.”
“We’re very appreciative of Commissioner Harper and his team for introducing this excellent initiative,” said Jared Benko, Director of Athletics at Georgia Southern University. “Agriculture and farmers are crucial to our area, playing a vital role in sustaining our economy, providing local jobs, and ensuring access to fresh, locally grown produce. Their dedication supports not only our community but also the state’s agricultural heritage. Similarly, the Georgia Grown brand perfectly describes our football team, as the vast majority of our student-athletes hail from this great state.”
“Competing for the Commissioner’s Cup is great motivation for our football team, most of whom are native Georgians,” said Georgia State University Director of Athletics Charlie Cobb. “We are thankful to Commissioner Tyler Harper and the Department of Agriculture for their support of this rivalry. Everyone associated with our University and Department of Athletics understands and values the importance of the Georgia Grown program throughout our state. We look forward to competing so local farmers, agribusinesses, and others benefit from the positive awareness our rivalry game creates.”
As Georgia’s top industry, agriculture contributes over $83.6 billion annually and is a crucial part of the state’s economy. The Georgia Grown Bowl is an opportunity to recognize the vital contributions of agriculture and athletics to the success of our state, and to showcase the incredible products Georgia Grown farmers produce.
The Georgia Grown Bowl is expected to draw thousands of fans and further intensify the rivalry between Georgia Southern and Georgia State, and both teams are eager to compete for the Commissioner’s Cup and etch their names in Georgia’s football history. Fans attending the Georgia Grown Bowl can expect to see Georgia Grown prominently featured throughout the game, with ads displayed on LED boards, the jumbotron, in game programs, and through various in-stadium promotions, highlighting the connection between Georgia’s thriving agricultural industry and the excitement of college football.
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About the Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Grown
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is dedicated to advancing Georgia’s agricultural industry through effective regulation, support, and innovative marketing initiatives. The GDA ensures food safety, promotes plant and animal health, and drives economic growth, focusing on maintaining high standards in agriculture to uphold Georgia’s reputation as the state’s number one industry. A key component of the GDA’s efforts is the Georgia Grown program, a dynamic marketing and economic development initiative designed to promote products grown or made in Georgia. By championing local farmers and businesses and encouraging Georgians to buy locally produced goods, Georgia Grown supports the state’s economy and enhances consumer awareness of Georgia’s agricultural products.
About Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University is a public research institution dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Established in 1906, the university offers many undergraduate and graduate programs across its nine colleges and schools, serving over 27,000 students. Known for its commitment to student success, research advancement, and regional development, Georgia Southern fosters an inclusive and supportive environment that prepares students for leadership and impactful careers.
About Georgia State University
Blending academic rigor with a rich college experience since 1913, Georgia State University transforms the lives of students, advances the frontiers of knowledge and shapes future leaders. Enrolling one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation, the university provides associate-to-graduate-degree-level educational opportunities for tens of thousands across its downtown Atlanta Campus and five Perimeter College campuses. Graduating students from all backgrounds at equal, high rates, Georgia State is the national model for student success.
