In keeping with AgGeorgia's mission to improve the lives of Georgia's farmers, families and rural communities, a Community Mission Fund was established in 2023. The Fund's purpose is to build strong partnerships and alliances, leveraging the resources within the Fund to promote the farmer, the family and the community. The Fund's two main objectives are to invest in the future of agriculture and to impact the quality of life in rural Georgia while supporting non-profit organizations within the communities in our service area with their endeavors.

When Hurricane Michael hit South Georgia in October of 2018, areas in its path were impacted in ways that caused immediate needs. Not only were structures damaged, but homes, businesses and schools were without electricity, causing disruption in the usual daily routines. Although the daunting and overwhelming task of recovery was a high priority for many, it was overshadowed by the simple necessity of having food to eat and clean water to drink. Second Harvest of South Georgia was there to bridge the gap in supplying food for families in that situation that were affected by the storm.

The landscape in areas of Georgia has forever been changed. The natural beauty of century old trees, the carefully tended acres and even the man-made structures built for necessity, safety or just convenience have been at minimum scarred or altered in some way in parts of our state. The practices that have been adhered for decades for the conservation, protection and preservation of our land have been threatened, and in some cases, eroded overnight by something completely and totally beyond any mortal’s control.

For most civilians, it can be hard to imagine life in active-duty military. The disciplined training, fitness requirements and mental aptitude are aspects that are commonly obvious as prerequisites for deployment. What probably is not so obvious is the transitional challenges faced by those returning home from completing a combat tour. “It’s like getting sent home unexpectedly from a job that you love and having to leave your brothers and sisters in arms behind as well as the mission you love.

“We love what we do.” Not everyone can say that about their jobs or careers, but that’s exactly the way Alex Pakdaman describes his family’s honey farm and retail store. What began in Dacula, Georgia when Alex was fifteen years old has resulted in a tradition of hard work and pride of offering quality products. With the expansion of locations not only in north Georgia but now also in central Florida for honey production and with a retail storefront in John’s Creek, it’s easy to see that the Pakdamans truly do enjoy their business. 

AgGeorgia supports the ag leaders of tomorrow

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “We cannot always build the future for our youth but we can build our youth for the future.” That’s a fitting description of how Lorene Parker feels about her recent experience at the National FFA Leadership Conference in Washington, DC. Already an ag enthusiast and goal oriented, this rising senior at Rockmart High School was energized by the conference.

When meeting Ginger Butts, it only takes a few moments to be impressed by her energy, honesty, and passion for what she believes. These personality traits likely have been instrumental in the development and entrepreneurial success of her Bleckley County based brand, Back to the Basics 101. The product line includes baking mixes, elderberry syrup mix, and other wholesome, natural treats.