Friends of Agriculture are one step closer to achieving their yearslong goal of building a community-supported and operated Agriculture Education & Natural Resource Center in Polk County.

The group met at the future site of the project planned for property midweek to give their new architects a look at the property they have to work with in the construction of a multi-purpose facility on Sardis Road.

Bell & Associates will be designing the 60,000 square foot facility set to include a number of features to provide a variety of opportunities for the community to utilize the facility.

There’s a lot going on with this project. One of the major parts of the operation a cannery for saving produce, and a commercial kitchen providing a professional space for people to make goods for later use with what they grow.

The Agriculture Education & Natural Resource Center will provide a new spot for ag-based events in outdoor spaces as well, with a covered arena designed for equestrian events and and indoor arena also perfect for large gatherings, the space will have everything from classrooms to offices when completed.

Organizers made their last major movement on the project in 2022 when they sought permission from the County Commission to change the zoning for the property to allow for the center to be built.

It is a project that has been long in the making and spearheaded by Friends of Agriculture, founded in part by the work of Glenn and Laura Robinson (who are also providing the land donation,) and their goal is to “improve health, nutrition and quality of life through education and activities to all Polk County citizens,” per a release on the recent update on the center’s progress.

Friends of Agriculture based on a previous study conducted by the University of Georgia expect to be able to bring “substantial economic benefits to Polk County” with the future ag center once completed.

They have so far raised $1.3 million toward getting the center built, and 23 acres of land have thus far been donated to the project.

Find out more about what’s been happening with Friends of Agriculture on their Facebook page, or visit www.friendsofag.org.