12 Questions for Georgia’s Agriculture Commissioner Candidates

BY - October 24, 2018

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Candidates Election 2018 Gary Black Fred Swann
(L-R) Republican Gary Black and Democrat Fred Swann

Photographs courtesy of their campaigns

Before you write off the agriculture commissioner as someone who keeps watch on boll weevils and makes sure peaches find buyers, keep in mind that farming is Georgia’s largest industry, ahead of filmmaking, manufacturing, and tourism, and contributes an estimated $73 billion to the state’s economy. This elected official works with growers large and small. Below, our 12 questions for each candidate and their responses, which have been edited for length and clarity.

  1. Gary Black (R)
  2. Fred Swann (D)