Our Story
Growing Agriculture Today for Our Future Tomorrow
We Recognized a Need!
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 goal is to improve health, nutrition and quality of life through education and activities to all Polk County citizens.
- Improving Nutrition. Polk County is designated a "food desert" and part of the USDA National School Lunch Program to provide nutritionally balances meals to children. Cooking & nutrition classes, farmer's markets, the cannery and commercial kitchen are a focus for a healthier future!
- Education will focus, not only on agriculture, but nutrition, job training, etc. which are currently only in the public schools. The Center will open these opportunities to adults, home-schooled children and the nearby alternative school. Until then, we are involved with the Polk Farm Bureau, public libraries and churches to offer classes.
- Quality of Life. Central Polk County ~ where 60% of the population lives ~ has almost no facilities or opportunities for youth. Livestock showing is increasing in popularity with over 100 students participating in 2025. This is just one ag related activity that can be brought to this area.
- Economic Development will come from livestock shows, the cannery and space which can bring in large conferences, concerts, festivals, and more...
- Emergency Support can use the centralized center as temporary housing for victims and disaster relief personnel with the planned space, commercial kitchen, showers and bathrooms.
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 two proposed buildings are 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 a utility building. The rodeo ready arena 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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1301 Stringer Road Rockmart GA 30153
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PO Box 1327 Cedartown GA 30125
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