Newton County has a long and proud agricultural history, but much of that tradition has been lost in recent years to suburban development.

Fortunately, the county has been selected for a pilot program, a Local Agriculture Protection Guide, which will provide free help in crafting ways to preserve our agricultural areas.

Staff from the Northeast Georgia Regional Planning Commission will help the county use planning and zoning techniques and economic development strategies to help our farmers. Our county was the only one of 12 in the commission’s region to be selected for the program.

Fantastic.

Agriculture is a $14.5 million industry locally, an important and sustaining force in the local economy, even in these tough times.

A partnership that benefits our farmers benefits us all.