B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 23 Meeks also enjoys helping existing agribusinesses expand or develop new products. “I hadn’t been on the job long when Georgia Olive Farms started in Lakeland,” Meeks says. “I remember going out to the farm when they were planting their first olive trees. Now Georgia Olive Farms is known across the country.” Meeks says her job is more than just visiting a farm, it is about educating both the producer and consumer. “With Georgia Grown we are helping to not only promote agriculture as the state’s top industry but also change the perception of agriculture,” she says. “It is starting to change, more people are visiting local farmers’ markets, and there are more restaurants now that promote farm-to-table meals.” Agriculture accounts for more than 410,000 jobs in Georgia, and Meeks says it’s critical that children not only learn where their food comes from but also the availability of careers in agriculture. “There are a lot of jobs in agriculture besides being a farmer,” she says. “Part of Georgia Grown is helping develop an appreciation of the entire agricultural industry.” Meeks is also busy promoting the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s 2020 Vision, which aims to have at least 20 percent of school lunch menus featuring Georgia food products every day, at every public school in the state. “This is a big effort,” she says, “but we already have several schools in South Georgia using Georgia products as part of the school lunch menus.” Meeks serves on the advisory boards for the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the Georgia Agritourism Association. She also works with Georgia Blueberries Association and the Georgia Forestry Association and attends meetings focused on tobacco, pecan, and cotton commodities. Beth DeLoach Meeks joins Jason Shaw at Georgia Olive Farms in Lanier County.