Jackson Outlines Plan to Grow Georgia Agriculture by 10%
By Jill Holloway, The Thomasville Times-Enterprise
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
THOMASVILLE — Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson joined local business leaders at the Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce on Friday morning to share his vision for growing Georgia's agricultural industry by 10% if elected.
Introduced by Thomas County Sheriff Tim Watkins, Jackson emphasized his personal connection to rural Georgia and its agricultural heritage. He spoke about his own journey from foster care in metro Atlanta to becoming a successful CEO and businessman, highlighting his dedication to the state's citizens.
This was Jackson's fourth visit to Thomasville, underscoring the importance he places on rural communities and their key industry: agriculture.
"That means rural Georgia matters; that means agriculture matters — that means our number one industry in the state of Georgia matters," Watkins noted.
Jackson's Plan for Agriculture
Jackson's approach to agriculture involves exposing young people to farming and skilled trades while they are still in high school, promoting honorable careers that do not necessarily require a four-year degree. He aims to:
- Expand Agricultural Education: Encourage schools across the state to place greater emphasis on agriculture and career opportunities beyond traditional four-year degrees.
- Engage Young People: Provide hands-on experiences for students interested in farming and rural living, fostering a new generation of agricultural leaders.
- Support Local Farmers: Streamline processes to support local farmers and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive.
"I see Georgia as a business," Jackson stated. "One of the things I've learned through running our business is if I focus on that large picture, everything else falls into place."
By focusing on these strategies, Jackson believes he can help secure a brighter future for Georgia's agricultural industry and the communities it sustains.