Chris Coppenbarger

While I’m disappointed by yesterday’s results, the people of Georgia have made their choice, and I respect it. This morning, I called Katherine Juhan-Arnold to congratulate her and offer my assistance in the transition period. Georgia Agriculture is bigger than any one person or election, and the farmers and families who depend on it deserve nothing less than our continued commitment. I made a promise to always put our farmers first, and I’ll continue that commitment for the remainder of my term. For a farm boy who grew up playing with toy tractors on the red dirt roads of Irwin County, serving as your Agriculture Commissioner for the last four years has been the honor of my life. I’m proud of what we accomplished together to protect and strengthen our #1 industry and the farm families who fuel its success. To the dedicated men and women of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, to every volunteer and supporter who believed in our vision, and to the farm families who opened their homes and farms to me along the way and welcomed me in — thank you. I’ll forever be grateful for the trust you placed in me and the opportunity to serve. For now, I’m heading back to the family farm, but I’m not out of the fight — I’m not done fighting for the farmers, families, consumers, and rural communities that make Georgia great. God Bless & Keep Plowin’.