Fruits of the Land & of the Sea

Agriculture and Food Production Thrive in Southeast Georgia. Here’s Why.

Agriculture and food production are not just important industries, they are the lifeblood of many communities. In the Southeast Georgia counties of the SEGA Alliance – Camden, Charlton, Glynn, Brantley, Wayne, and McIntosh – this is especially true, making agriculture and food production target industries for the region.

The local economy thrives: Ag and food both provide employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity in related sectors such as transportation, manufacturing, and retail. The income generated from these activities supports local businesses and services, creating a positive economic ripple throughout the communities.

Fertile Land, Ideal Conditions

The geographical and climatic conditions in the SEGA Alliance region are exceptionally favorable for agriculture. The fertile soil, warm climate, and ample rainfall provide an excellent environment for growing a variety of crops, from blueberries to pecans to cotton, and more. The long growing season allows farmers to maximize their yield and produce a steady supply of fresh produce throughout the year.

In addition to traditional crop farming, there is significant activity in livestock farming, aquaculture, marine fishing, and forestry. Among other sectors, our farmers are known for producing goats, honeybees, pigs, and eggs. This diversity helps stabilize the local economy by spreading risk across different agricultural sectors and providing a range of products to meet market demand.

Highlights

• Southeast Coastal Georgia counties produce nearly a quarter billion dollars annually in Farm Gate Value.
• Georgia’s commercial seafood industry generates nearly $2 billion in economic impact.
• More than 6,000 workers in our region are employed in food processing at an average annual salary of nearly $65,000.
• A couple of our resident businesses include King & Prince Seafood and Rich Products, major players in global frozen foods.
• The farm gate value for timber in our region exceeds $67.8 million per year, and pine straw, an ancillary forest product, brings in $8.2 million annually. Local companies in this sector include GP Cellulose and Rayonier.

Infrastructure and Logistics

The SEGA Alliance region boasts strong infrastructure and logistical assets that work in concert to support our agricultural and food production capabilities. I-95’s connections to I-10 and I-16 ensure trucking and distribution are available here for agricultural products and processed foods. Our farmers and processors can reach two-thirds of the U.S. population by Class 1 railroads. The deepwater ports of Brunswick and Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida, allow our businesses to conveniently and efficiently ship products from the region directly to global markets.

Local Support

Georgia and our local governments recognize the importance of agriculture and food production and provide substantial support to the industries. This includes financial incentives such as grants, tax breaks, and low-interest loans, as well as technical assistance and training programs. Extension services from University of Georgia offer valuable resources to help farmers adopt best practices and new technologies.

What It All Means

Agriculture and food production are major markets in Camden, Charlton, Glynn, Brantley, Wayne, and McIntosh counties due to a combination of favorable natural conditions, advanced farming techniques, strong infrastructure, and supportive communities. These factors, along with economic contributions, historical significance, government support, sustainable practices, and market demand, create a thriving environment for agri-business and food production. As farmers and producers in the SEGA Alliance region continue to embrace innovation and sustainability, agriculture and food production will be top industries in Southeast Georgia.