ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - State and local leaders are set to gather in Albany on Thursday to celebrate what officials call a major investment in Southwest Georgia’s agriculture industry.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper, Albany Mayor Bo Dorough, and Jana Dyke, President and CEO of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, will officially launch the Georgia Grown Resource Center on April 9, 2026.

The new facility, located at 112 N. Front St., is part of a statewide initiative led by the Georgia Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission.

Leaders say the center will serve as a hub for agricultural producers and businesses across Southwest Georgia, offering tools and support to help them grow and compete.

Residents in Albany are excited about the new business coming to the downtown area.

“It’s exciting to see these opportunities and bringing in locally grown and sourced food and different opportunities for people here. This area could really be amazing, and I think just bringing that here could help this area thrive even more.” says Sealy Murphey, South Georgia Resident

Part of a statewide network

The Albany location is the second of nine planned Georgia Grown Resource Centers across the state.

One existing Georgia Grown Resource Center referenced by the Georgia Department of Agriculture is in Metter, where the agency has hosted statewide events such as the Georgia Seafood Summit at the Georgia Grown Resource Center/Innovation Center.

Officials say the resource centers are intended to help connect farmers and agriculture-related businesses with services and opportunities that can strengthen long-term growth.

What the Albany center is designed to do

Officials say the facility is designed to connect:

• Farmers and producers
• Food manufacturers
• Processors
• Agritourism operators
• Other agriculture-related businesses

Organizers say the goal is to provide resources that increase visibility, expand market access, and support long-term growth.

Why Georgia Grown matters and how to shop local

The Georgia Grown program (a division of the Georgia Department of Agriculture) markets and promotes products grown or made in Georgia, connecting consumers with local farms and businesses.

For shoppers, buying Georgia Grown can help keep dollars in local communities and support farm families and small businesses. Georgia Grown also offers tools to help consumers find local options, including an online directory to find Georgia Grown farms, restaurants, retailers and agritourism destinations.

Grand opening details

• Who: Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper; Albany Mayor Bo Dorough; Jana Dyke, President & CEO, Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission
• What: Grand opening of the Albany Georgia Grown Resource Center
• Where: 112 N. Front St., Albany, GA 31701
• When: Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 5 p.m.

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