DOUGLAS, Ga. (WALB) — According to the 2022 Georgia Agricultural Census, 64% of producers were over 55 years old. As agriculture continues to drive South Georgia’s economy, access to education in the field for the next generation is crucial. A new partnership between South Georgia State College and the University of Georgia’s Tifton campus is opening doors for students who once had to leave home to pursue a future in agriculture.

The newly announced agriculture pathway will allow students to begin their education at South Georgia State College and seamlessly transfer to UGA to complete a bachelor’s degree in an agricultural field.

“We are bringing Agriculture Pathway back here to South Georgia State College in partnership with our dear friends at the University of Georgia Tifton campus,” said Tyler Lott, Corporate Partner Specialist, Dual Enrollment Specialist, and Recruiter at SGSC. “We’re providing them the opportunity to stay right here in South Georgia and take ag classes… and get the next level of education in an agricultural field.”

>> 2022 Georgia Agricultural Census: Demographics <<

Leaders say the need for programs like this is urgent, as agriculture continues to grow while facing ongoing challenges.

“The industry of agriculture continues to grow. It has tremendous challenges. But it’s going to take this next generation to move us to where we need to be in terms of providing a sustainable and safe food supply for the world,” said Barry Croom, a professor at UGA.

Croon says this partnership is not just about education, but about preparing the next generation to take on real-world challenges in agriculture and food production.

“So we’re excited about this opportunity. And we think that it has a lot of hope and promise for young people here in this particular region,” he said.

South Georgia State College announced the program during Georgia Agriculture Awareness Week, highlighting the region’s deep roots in farming and the growing demand for skilled workers in the industry.

College leaders say this pathway gives local students something they have not always had — the ability to start, stay, and succeed right here at home.

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