BLUE RIDGE, Ga. — A celebration of Georgia’s apple industry turned into a major success for agricultural education, as the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture raised more than $50,000 during its fourth annual Picnic on the Farm at Mercier Orchards.

The August 23 event drew families and community members to the 300-acre orchard, where guests enjoyed apple picking, tractor tours, farm-to-table picnic lunches, and Mercier’s signature fried apple pies. Live bluegrass music by The Silver Valley Boys added to the festive atmosphere.

“This was a wonderful day with beautiful weather, great food, and outstanding music,” said Lily Baucom, GFA’s executive director. “Mercier Orchards was a gracious host, and their support helped make this event such a success.”

All proceeds will benefit programs that support Georgia’s next generation of farmers, including scholarships, classroom outreach, and mental health resources for those working in agriculture.

Mercier Orchards is one of North Georgia’s most well-known agritourism destinations, offering U-Pick fruit, a farm market, bakery, and cidery. The orchard provided a fitting backdrop for the event, which also featured educational tours on apple production and tastings of local farm products.

The fundraiser also connected visitors to the Georgia Farm Passport Program, encouraging families to explore other Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Markets across the state.

Organizers said the event not only highlighted the importance of apples to Georgia’s agricultural economy but also underscored the growing role of agritourism in supporting local farms.