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For more than 80 years, the Vinson Institute has worked with public officials throughout Georgia and around the world to improve governance and people's lives. From Georgia's early days as a largely agrarian state with a modest population to its modern-day status as a national and international force in business, industry, and politics with a population of almost 10 million, the Institute has helped government leaders navigate change and forge strong directions for a better Georgia.
In the Spotlight > Classroom on the Road Spotlights Water and Agriculture

Classroom on the Road Spotlights Water and Agriculture

Posted September 9, 2009
Contact: Courtney Yarbrough, cryarb@uga.edu; 706.542.6221

Presenting county officials with current information and options about agriculture and water resources was the goal of a mobile class coordinated August 19 and 20, 2009, by the Vinson Institute and the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG).

The University of Georgia's College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and Cooperative Extension Program were also partners for the event, which included a variety of presentations and site visits focusing on the economic impact of agriculture, land use implications, water resource management, and ways to form local partnerships.

The mobile class began with a visit to the University of Georgia's agricultural research facilities in the areas of beef, poultry, and dairy sciences, and horticulture. Participants then moved on to look at agriculture at work through a visit to a poultry farm and a facility that supports poultry production in Hall County. In Lumpkin County, commissioners learned more about land use implications associated with agricultural industries and about such alternative agricultural initiatives as growing grapes for wine making.

While the program centered on locations in North Georgia, the agenda was planned to be relevant to commissioners from counties throughout the state. "Everything that was said and all the places that we visited provided me with timely information about the issues that I am dealing with on the local front," said Rick Gardner, Bryan County commissioner and member of a local water planning council. "I really enjoyed the mobile format and the chance to see things firsthand, like how research has practical benefits for agricultural production," added Bennie Horton, Lamar County commissioner.

Water resources was the topic of the final day of the program, which included visits to Lake Lanier, Buford Dam, and Bear Creek Reservoir. At Lake Lanier and Buford Dam, participants learned about water resource management and the ways in which Lake Lanier impacts economic development, recreation, and preservation of natural resources. At Bear Creek Reservoir, local officials discussed the successes and issues related to a four-county partnership to provide water for residents.

County Commissioners Training Program >>

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