The Sunbelt Ag Expo is grateful for the opportunity to have partnered with many groups within our community over the last several years. Since 2008, the Expo has featured backyard gardening seminars and demonstrations. In 2015, a permanent exhibit space was established that has proven to be a popular spot for visitors. In 2019, Flint River Fresh and Fredando Jackson aka “Farmer Fredo” began working in the space.
Along with Farmer Fredo, students from the CCHS FFA have been instrumental in harvesting the crops grown in the garden. In 2019 and 2020, we were able to make significant contributions of greens from the garden to the Colquitt County Food Bank. Because of the success of this partnership, the growing and harvesting of garden crops is now a year-round venture. In 2020, satsuma trees donated by Cool Springs Nursery were planted. Earlier this spring, irish potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, squash, blueberry bushes and plum trees, all donated by Flint River Fresh, were planted with help from the Moultrie Federated Guild’s Health and Wellness Committee. These volunteers assist in the planting, harvesting and basic upkeep of the garden. Within a few days, the irish potatoes will be dug and donated to the Colquitt County Food Bank. Peach and apple trees will soon be added to the garden.
“My goal is to grow food, make it accessible to the community, and teach others to do the same,” says Farmer Fredo. The Sunbelt Ag Expo is grateful for relationships that allow us to foster connections that make our community a better place to live.
Join us at this year’s Expo to see the fall garden crops, to learn how to nurture your own backyard garden, and to visit with Farmer Fredo.
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