Why We Are
Growing Agriculture Today for Our Future Tomorrow
Friends of Agriculture was established in Georgia in July 2019 and certified as an IRS 501c3 organization September 2020 under Laura Robinson, Director and Glenn K Robinson, Board President.
Agriculture is the number one industry in Georgia and in Polk County. Jobs range from traditional farming to high-tech positions such as environmental engineering and large animal vets. Our county sees only 59.3% of high school graduates college and career ready[1]. The median income is $44,891with a poverty rate of 16.2%[2] and 100% of students qualified for USDA school lunches. The central third of the county is recognized as a “food desert”[3].
My husband and I recognize the need for education for all ages in a variety of agriculture related topics to improve nutrition as well as job prospects. We have been working with our County Commissioners for approximately four years to gain funding to build a much-needed Agriculture Education and Resource Center in Polk County Georgia for the underserved in a seven-county area. The proposed building is envisioned to be 40,000 square feet, fully accessible and LEAD certified. The center will include a large, dividable classroom, commercial kitchen, cannery, offices, bathrooms with showers and changing areas, enclosed arena with flexible seating for 400+, a covered livestock area with wash racks, as well as parking and large utility building. We based our original design on a similar facility in Ellijay GA. A second phase would include nature trails and community teaching gardens. The University of Georgia completed a feasibility study in September 2018 showing a potential annual economic development impact to the region of over $1 million.
Despite our efforts the Commission was unwilling to locate it in the center of the county where we have the greatest need. We were informed recently to submit a plan in 2025 when the next SPLOST initiative is opened. Therefore, my husband and I completed the process for entrusting our 200 acres in a land trust November 2021. The contract with GA/AL Land Trust prohibits development outside negotiated uses. We included a five acre “envelope” to build the envisioned Agriculture Education and Resource Center on a 23+ acre site we own in the preferred location. We have spoken to our Board and will be donating the five acres for the Center plus the land needed for road access as permitted under the land trust agreement to Friends of Agriculture. The remaining land will be donated, in the future, for agricultural education and natural habitat. Currently, we are working with an environmental engineer to apply for necessary permits.
We have established a bank account and brokerage account as we begin fundraising. In addition to our webpage, we have an Instagram account, brochures and a regular PSA on local radio which I am in the process of converting to podcasts. Much of our activity now is aimed at relationship building within the community and local corporate donors plus seeking grants and pro bono professional assistance, to build the Center using private funds.
[1] Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, “Georgia School Grades Report (2018-2019): Polk County” (nd) Polk County | Georgia School Reports
[2] US Census Bureau, “QuickFacts: Polk County Georgia” (nd) U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Polk County, Georgia
[3] US Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Center, “Food Access research Atlas” (4/27/2021) USDA ERS - Go to the Atlas
Agriculture is the number one industry in Georgia and in Polk County. Jobs range from traditional farming to high-tech positions such as environmental engineering and large animal vets. Our county sees only 59.3% of high school graduates college and career ready[1]. The median income is $44,891with a poverty rate of 16.2%[2] and 100% of students qualified for USDA school lunches. The central third of the county is recognized as a “food desert”[3].
My husband and I recognize the need for education for all ages in a variety of agriculture related topics to improve nutrition as well as job prospects. We have been working with our County Commissioners for approximately four years to gain funding to build a much-needed Agriculture Education and Resource Center in Polk County Georgia for the underserved in a seven-county area. The proposed building is envisioned to be 40,000 square feet, fully accessible and LEAD certified. The center will include a large, dividable classroom, commercial kitchen, cannery, offices, bathrooms with showers and changing areas, enclosed arena with flexible seating for 400+, a covered livestock area with wash racks, as well as parking and large utility building. We based our original design on a similar facility in Ellijay GA. A second phase would include nature trails and community teaching gardens. The University of Georgia completed a feasibility study in September 2018 showing a potential annual economic development impact to the region of over $1 million.
Despite our efforts the Commission was unwilling to locate it in the center of the county where we have the greatest need. We were informed recently to submit a plan in 2025 when the next SPLOST initiative is opened. Therefore, my husband and I completed the process for entrusting our 200 acres in a land trust November 2021. The contract with GA/AL Land Trust prohibits development outside negotiated uses. We included a five acre “envelope” to build the envisioned Agriculture Education and Resource Center on a 23+ acre site we own in the preferred location. We have spoken to our Board and will be donating the five acres for the Center plus the land needed for road access as permitted under the land trust agreement to Friends of Agriculture. The remaining land will be donated, in the future, for agricultural education and natural habitat. Currently, we are working with an environmental engineer to apply for necessary permits.
We have established a bank account and brokerage account as we begin fundraising. In addition to our webpage, we have an Instagram account, brochures and a regular PSA on local radio which I am in the process of converting to podcasts. Much of our activity now is aimed at relationship building within the community and local corporate donors plus seeking grants and pro bono professional assistance, to build the Center using private funds.
[1] Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, “Georgia School Grades Report (2018-2019): Polk County” (nd) Polk County | Georgia School Reports
[2] US Census Bureau, “QuickFacts: Polk County Georgia” (nd) U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Polk County, Georgia
[3] US Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Center, “Food Access research Atlas” (4/27/2021) USDA ERS - Go to the Atlas
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PO Box 1327 Cedartown GA 30125
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