ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) — In Georgia, grocery prices are still climbing, and now the fight over beef prices is splitting the White House.
In the Peach State, Kroger is betting shoppers go in a different direction: buying Georgia-grown. New tags on these products signal your money goes back to Georgia farms.
Shoppers want price and flavor, and they’re hunting for both. A Georgia peach from Pearson Farm in Fort Valley is about a two-hour drive from Atlanta. Compare that to fruit shipped in from California, and you understand why stores are pushing Georgia-grown.
In the aisles, people aren’t browsing. They’re doing math and making fast calls.
“Prices are so high these days,” said Claudette Dillard, a shopper.
Dillard says she still looks for Georgia-grown, especially Vidalia onions, a Georgia staple.
“That’s also more money, tax money for our state if you purchase things that are grown in the state,” Dillard said.
Kroger calls it “Local Makes Cents.” The point: make local easy to spot and easier to choose.
“Nothing’s better than touching those peaches, pulling them right off the tree, putting one in your mouth,” said Tammie Young-Ennaemba.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper walked the store, snapping photos and pushing the stakes beyond dinner.
“95% of our farms are family owned, so when you buy Georgia grown, you’re supporting a family down the street,” Harper said.
Families want lower prices now, but Harper warns drought, wildfires and rising costs can shrink what farms produce, and that can push prices up later.
“Farm families pour their blood, sweat and tears into this every single day,” Harper said.
The price fight isn’t just happening in Georgia. Politico reports President Trump’s plan to ease beef import tariffs is on hold after infighting. Imports could lower costs for shoppers but undercut the cattle industry.
Harper also warns imported products don’t always face the same standards and says Georgia farmers can’t compete on an uneven playing field.
“If they’re not able to be successful and unfortunately they’re not able to compete in the marketplace, and we see them diminish or go away, that means we become more reliant on foreign sources of food,” Harper said.
Harper’s argument is this: Georgia-grown keeps food close, keeps farms alive and gives shoppers confidence in what they’re taking home.
“I’m looking for things that I like to eat and things that are on sale,” Dillard said.
More Georgia-grown tags will appear as peak season ramps up for peaches, blueberries and watermelons. State leaders say they’re also tracking drought and wildfire impacts because that can squeeze supply and prices statewide.
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