September 19, 2002
Lowndes County - Lowndes County farmer Larry Zipperer is worried about the future of the agricultural industry.
"The amount of income generated from farming is dropping every day and if we don't do something to protect our farmland, we're going to lose a lot," said Zipperer.
But the Southeast Agricultural Coalition is working to ease Larry's fears. "We have tours set up to show everyone what a big part agriculture plays in Lowndes County," said Tommy Stalvey, President of the Southeastern Agricultural Coalition.
After the tour, nearly 100 decision makers from all over South Georgia now know just how vital the industry is.
"Agriculture is one of the leading industries in Lowndes County and it is the number one source of income in the state of Georgia," said Zipperer.
From touring fish farms to pecan orchards and tobacco barns, this group of zoning committee members, extension agents, and other county officials have a better understanding of the constantly changing agricultural world.
"I want to learn more about it because I think at some point, the Industrial Authority can assist with this whole process," said Ken Garron, Lowndes Industrial Authority Director.
Members of the Southeastern Agricultural Coalition hope the decision makers will take what they learned from the tour and help preserve Georgia's farmland.
posted at 3:30 by ashley.harper@walb.com
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