09/09/2026
Earlier this month, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper officially declared September the start of Georgia’s apple season — a time to celebrate one of our state’s favorite agricultural traditions and the many agritourism opportunities it brings.
Below is a great story from Jay Jones, editor of the Market Bulletin, highlighting the importance of apple season and agritourism in Georgia. 🍎
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"September declared Georgia Grown Apple Month to kick off apple season"
By Jay Jones
Georgia apple growers are gearing up for another great fall harvest this month as the state’s apple season kicks into gear with the change in the weather.
Although orchards have been picking early varieties since July, September is officially the start of Georgia Grown Apple Month, bringing in varieties such as Golden Delicious and Fuji.
Georgia is unique in the wide variety of apples grown annually. As the season moves through October, growers harvest late-season varieties such as Stayman Winesap, Cameo, Arkansas Black, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and Yates. Other Georgia-grown varieties include Red Delicious, September Wonder, Jonagold, Mutsu, and Rome Beauty.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler H. Harper signed a proclamation recognizing this month as Georgia Grown Apple Month to celebrate apple growers, orchard families, and the start of one of the state’s most beloved agricultural seasons. He noted that through the Georgia Grown program, the Georgia Department of Agriculture is encouraging residents and visitors to visit local orchards, purchase Georgia Grown apples and products, and support the farm families who contribute to the state’s thriving apple industry.
“September, the start of Georgia apple season, is the perfect time for Georgians to visit one of our state’s beautiful apple orchards, experience Georgia’s top industry firsthand,” Harper said. “Whether you’re picking apples at an orchard or enjoying them at home, choosing Georgia Grown means you’re getting the freshest, highest-quality fruit while supporting local farmers.”
Most of Georgia’s apples are grown in the North Georgia mountains, and the season can run from July through December. Ellijay, in Gilmer County, is known as the Apple Capital of Georgia and is home to more than nine family-owned orchards.
Georgia has a long tradition of apple production, with an estimated 360,000 apple-producing trees across the state.
According to the University of Georgia Extension Service and the Georgia Almanac, annual state apple output exceeds 600,000 bushels.
Georgia’s apples are primarily sold fresh, and the state’s apple industry had a farm-gate value of more than $12 million, according to the UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development Farm Gate Value Report.
Apples also play a significant role in local agritourism. Every fall, thousands of visitors travel to North Georgia’s mountain counties to pick apples, visit cider houses and bakeries, and attend fall festivals. (See a list of apple orchards and houses inside this issue.)
Festivals include the following:
• Big Red Apple Festival, Cornelia, Sept. 26: The festival takes place in downtown Cornelia, home to the city’s historic giant apple monument.
• Georgia Mountain Fall Festival, Hiawassee, Oct. 9–11 and 15–17: Held at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, this regional event includes a pioneer village, country and bluegrass music, and a full carnival.
• Georgia Apple Festival, Ellijay, Oct. 10–11 and 17–18: The largest apple festival in the region is held at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds.
• Apple Arts Festival, Ellijay, Oct. 10–11 and 17–18: This arts event runs concurrently with the main Apple Festival and centers around the city’s historic downtown square.
Other fall celebrations in the region include Blairsville’s Sorghum in the Mountains, held Oct. 10–11 and 17–18, and Clayton’s Foxfire Mountaineer Festival on Oct. 3.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture invites residents and visitors to celebrate Georgia Grown Apple Month by visiting local orchards using its online map, enjoying apple picking and other agritourism experiences, and purchasing Georgia Grown products throughout the season. To find local orchards and discover more Georgia Grown agritourism opportunities, visit GeorgiaGrown.com.
