Politics

How technology is changing Georgia's $70 billion farming industry

Ricky James, owner of Osage Farms in Dillard grows a variety of produce, including tomatoes, to sell around the country and locally in their produce stand.
Ricky James, owner of Osage Farms in Dillard grows a variety of produce, including tomatoes, to sell around the country and locally in their produce stand.
By Aaron Gould Sheinin
Aug 1, 2015

One-hundred-and-twenty-five miles southeast of Atlanta, Jimmy Brewer shows off silos in Laurens County holding 15,000 bushels each of sesame seed that he and other farmers hope become Georgia's next big cash crop.

Meanwhile, in Tifton, University of Georgia researchers are working to develop new varieties of lettuce and kale that could help the state's farmers meet growing national demand for crops devastated by drought in California.

While movies, cars and technology have benefited from much of the economic hoopla in recent years, farming remains Georgia's oldest and biggest industry, with a $70 billion impact. State agricultural leaders say this year might be be the biggest yet. And they believe Georgia could be on the cusp of even greater growth, fueled by sweat and dirt and a willingness to experiment and change.

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Aaron Gould Sheinin

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