Why We Are
Growing Agriculture Today for Our Future Tomorrow
Our Story
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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. According to the US Census (July 2024) the median income was $55,308 with a poverty rate of 17.3% and 100% of students qualified for USDA school lunches. The central third of the county is recognized as a “food desert" which is one reason for the choice of location. Glenn and I recognize a need! Our goal is to improve health, nutrition and quality of life through education and activities to all Polk County citizens.
The Agriculture Education & Natural Resource Center is being spearheaded by the grassroots non-profit Friends of Agriculture using donations from forward-thinking local individuals, organizations and businesses. Friends of Agriculture was established as a Georgia Charity in July 2019 and certified as a Tax Exempt IRS 501c3 organization September 2020 after the County Commissioners refused to provide funding. To date, we have raised over $1.3 million. We invite you to join us make this plan into reality!
The proposed building is envisioned to be ~62,000 square feet, fully accessible using LEAD environment-friendly architecture built on 22+ donated acres in central Polk County. We based our original design on a similar facility in Ellijay GA. The center will include a community cannery, dividable classrooms, commercial kitchen, offices, bathrooms with showers and changing areas, an enclosed arena with flexible seating for 500+, and a covered arena large enough to host equestrian events, as well as parking and utility building. This was added after a community meeting where we reviewed the initial plans. 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.
Laura Robinson, Director
Glenn Robinson, President
The Agriculture Education & Natural Resource Center is being spearheaded by the grassroots non-profit Friends of Agriculture using donations from forward-thinking local individuals, organizations and businesses. Friends of Agriculture was established as a Georgia Charity in July 2019 and certified as a Tax Exempt IRS 501c3 organization September 2020 after the County Commissioners refused to provide funding. To date, we have raised over $1.3 million. We invite you to join us make this plan into reality!
The proposed building is envisioned to be ~62,000 square feet, fully accessible using LEAD environment-friendly architecture built on 22+ donated acres in central Polk County. We based our original design on a similar facility in Ellijay GA. The center will include a community cannery, dividable classrooms, commercial kitchen, offices, bathrooms with showers and changing areas, an enclosed arena with flexible seating for 500+, and a covered arena large enough to host equestrian events, as well as parking and utility building. This was added after a community meeting where we reviewed the initial plans. 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.
Laura Robinson, Director
Glenn Robinson, President
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PO Box 1327 Cedartown GA 30125
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