Georgia Grown Resource Center to Boost Entrepreneurship in Downtown Albany

New facility will connect agriculture businesses and provide resources for growth in southwest Georgia's farming hub.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:56am

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A stylized, isometric 3D digital illustration depicting a central building representing the Georgia Grown Resource Center, surrounded by smaller structures symbolizing agricultural businesses, all floating on a pastel background and using clean, modern design elements to convey a sense of innovation and community in the agriculture sector.The new Georgia Grown Resource Center in downtown Albany aims to foster entrepreneurship and growth in the region's thriving agriculture industry.Albany Today

The Georgia Grown Resource Center is set to open this fall in downtown Albany, Georgia, providing a hub for the region's agriculture businesses and entrepreneurs. The new center, the second of its kind in the state, will connect producers, processors, food manufacturers, and other agriculture-related companies with resources to increase visibility, expand market access, and receive long-term support. Located next to the Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy (4C), the center is part of a broader effort to revitalize downtown Albany.

Why it matters

As the largest industry in Georgia, contributing over $80 billion to the state's economy, agriculture is crucial to the state's and nation's economic well-being. Southwest Georgia, where Albany is located, accounts for about 20% of the state's total agricultural value, making it a key region for the new resource center to support.

The details

The Georgia Grown Resource Center will be located on North Front Street in downtown Albany, adjacent to the 4C on Front Street business. The center is designed to connect producers, processors, food manufacturers, agritourism operators, and other agriculture-related businesses, and provide them with resources to help increase visibility, expand market access, and receive long-term support. The $1 million project is a collaboration between the city of Albany, the 4C Academy, and the Albany-Dougherty Inner City Authority.

  • The Georgia Grown Resource Center is slated to open in the fall of 2026.
  • The 4C Academy facility, which will be located next to the resource center, is expected to be completed in August 2026.

The players

Tyler Harper

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner, who celebrated the launch of the resource center.

Kirsten Hayes

Director of the Georgia Grown Resource Center.

Callie Baker

Administrative assistant for the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission.

Chris Hatcher

CEO of the Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy (4C).

Bo Dorough

Mayor of Albany, Georgia.

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What they’re saying

“It's providing opportunities for farm families and entrepreneurs who are looking to expand opportunities in agriculture.”

— Tyler Harper, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner

“The resource center will bring together all the resources and contacts they need. I tell folks, as agriculture goes, so goes our state, so goes our nation, so goes our communities.”

— Tyler Harper, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner

“The opportunity to put this center in this part of the state was something I think was an easy decision to make.”

— Tyler Harper, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner

“We are excited about our partnership with the Georgia Grown Resource Center and look forward to sharing resources and being a great neighbor in downtown Albany.”

— Chris Hatcher, CEO, Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy (4C)

“Agriculture is Georgia's No. 1 industry, and having the Georgia Grown Center located next to 4C on Front's fresh market and retail space will be great for our community and region.”

— Chris Hatcher, CEO, Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy (4C)

What’s next

The renovation work on the Georgia Grown Resource Center and the adjacent 4C facility is expected to be completed in August 2026, with the resource center opening in the fall.

The takeaway

The new Georgia Grown Resource Center in downtown Albany will provide a critical hub for supporting and growing the agriculture industry, which is the backbone of Georgia's economy. By connecting businesses, providing resources, and fostering entrepreneurship, the center aims to bolster southwest Georgia's role as a key agricultural region.