AgriTrust of Georgia Welcomes Newest Trustee
Mr. Gary W. Black of Gary Black Farms in Commerce, Georgia joins the current Board of Trustees as the newest Trustee for AgriTrust of Georgia. Gary brings a unique skillset and perspective to the table as he begins service as a Trustee. Black served as the 16th Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Georgia from 2011-2023. Prior to serving as an elected Constitutional Officer, Black led the Georgia Agribusiness Council from 1989-2010 and also served with the founding Trustees of AgriTrust during his GAC tenure. Additionally, he managed young farmer leadership development activities for the Georgia Farm Bureau. Commissioner Black crafted and implemented disaster relief efforts for Georgia farm families in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, one of our nation's most devastating weather events. He led the development of the nationally recognized Georgia Grown brand opening opportunities for small business dreamers, expanding trade across the globe, and building bridges with culinary and school nutrition professionals. Under his leadership, the Department garnered national acclaim for information technology, marketing, animal health, and food safety programs.
Black has served in numerous advisory roles impacting programs at the US Environmental Protection Agency, US Department of Agriculture, and the Export Import Bank of the United States. In 2024, Georgia Trend Magazine inducted Black into the Most Influential Georgians Hall of Fame.
Black's business experience includes having served as Chairman of the Board of the Georgia Development Authority, a $180 million agricultural lending institution. He and his wife, Lydia, raise commercial and registered SimAngus cattle on their family farm in Commerce, Georgia, and actively serve in various ministries of Maysville Baptist Church.