B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 13 PHOTO: PAUL LEAVY Connell said the concept is all about getting people off the interstate and visiting small towns throughout Georgia. “When you stop at farms or markets you get to know the people behind the product and their family’s history,” Connell said. “It is a chance to get out of your car and meet people. You are no longer looking at cars lining the interstate. Instead, you are looking at miles and miles of some of the most beautiful countryside.” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black agrees that the success of Georgia Grown Trails is about building relationships. “Georgia is a producer of commodities; we load them on the trucks, trains, and boats and send them all over the world,” said Black, who is serving his second term as commissioner. “This is an important element of agricultural production. With the Georgia Grown Trails we are doing more than selling products; we are building relationships. When visitors stop at one of the sites along the trails, they are learning about the products, how they are made, and who’s making them.” Lauri Jo Bennett, who created Lauri Jo’s Southern Style Canning in Norman Park, has been a part of Georgia Grown Trail 37 since the beginning. “I am amazed how many people visit the shop and have a Trail 37 map in their hands,” Bennett said. “They are excited to be here, and we meet a lot of interesting people from all over the country.” Ben Bruce, with The Honey Shack in Homerville, said being part of Georgia Grown Trail 37 has benefited his business. “The trail has allowed us to not only reach out to many travelers,” Bruce said, “but also to be able to buy and sell with other Georgia Grown vendors.” B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 13 When you stop at farms or markets you get to know the people behind the product and their family’s history. It is a chance to get out of your car and meet people. You are no longer looking at cars lining the interstate. Instead, you are looking at miles and miles of some of the most beautiful countryside. - Jerry Connell PHOTO CONTRIBUTED In June 2014, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black is joined by Adel Chamber of Commerce President Jerry Connell, state Rep. Penny Houston, and other agritourism representatives for the Georgia Grown Trail official opening.