Georgia is known as “The Peach State", as it is well-known for producing peaches. The peach also is the state fruit of Georgia. Surprisingly, however, South Carolina produces more peaches than Georgia does.

South Carolina averages more than three times the amount (in pounds) of peaches harvested in Georgia in a typical season. Georgia is known as the peach state because commercial peach production began in Georgia, and many known varieties were hybridized there, including 'Elberta'.

Georgia earned its “Peach State” designation during the three decades following the Civil War. Peach expansion in acreage and production was fueled by several factors. The abolition of slavery forced farmers to search for alternatives to the traditional labor-intensive cotton crop.

Georgia is called the Peach State, but the fruit has been part of our history long before there was a Georgia. Franciscan monks introduced peaches to St. Simons and Cumberland Island in the 16th century. Cherokee Indians grew peaches here in the 18th century.