Agribusiness: Georgia’s Leading Industry
Agribusiness is defined as agriculture conducted on commercial principles, using advanced technology. It’s a group of industries dealing with agricultural produce and services required in farming. With 4.5 million acres of cropland, long growing seasons and favorable climate, it’s no wonder that Georgia’s leading industry in Agribusiness! According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Agribusiness contributes 74.3 billion dollars to Georgia’s economy. Georgia is a leading producer of commodities like soybeans, peanuts, cotton and blueberries.
Here are a few of the benefits to having thriving Agribusiness companies in Georgia:
- Increased efficiency and profitability with a robust transportation network.
- Mitigate business risk by tapping into Georgia’s mature agribusiness infrastructure.
- Maintain competitive advantage with access to funding.
- Find solutions to seasonal and year-round workforce challenges.
There are two agribusinesses right here in Henry County that fall into the “Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting” industry. High Flight Farm in Locust Grove and Richland Farms Industries Inc in Stockbridge. Richland Farms is a producer, processor and distributor of fresh & frozen meats and seafoods, poultry, specialty cuts of meats, and a distributor of specialty foods & wines. High Flight Farm provides exceptional quality equine care and riding instruction.
Agritourism involves any agriculturally based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm or ranch. Southern Belle Farm and Yule Forest both represent the Agritourism industry here in Henry County! Yule Forest in Stockbridge is a family owned and operated agritourism farm specializing in teaching people about farm life. They grow pumpkins, sunflowers, and trees for the public to enjoy and take home. Southern Belle Farm in McDonough is a 330 acre working farm specializing in homegrown family fun and fresh produce. At Southern Belle, you’ll find strawberries, blackberries, peaches, pumpkins, Christmas trees, and more.
The Georgia Agribusiness Council is the state’s leading trade association for agribusiness interests. They offer helpful resources in this industry, as well as AG education and scholarships. We are lucky to have world-class facilities nearby such as the Georgia Tech Research Institute’s Agricultural Technology Research Program, the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and Georgia’s Center of Innovation for Agribusiness. These research institutes help companies accelerate growth and remain competitive in this industry.
Learn more about Georgia Agribusiness & Agritourism success stories here!
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