NextGA
Next Generation Agriculture
Feeding the world by revitalizing Georgia’s No. 1 industry
The Next Generation Agriculture (NextGA) Engine initiative aims to develop an agriculture-focused innovation ecosystem in Southwest Georgia to address critical challenges in the industry, including labor shortages, extreme weather, and data management. The initiative, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, seeks to leverage cutting-edge technologies such as automation, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and synthetic biology to transform agriculture ,enhance food security, and drive economic growth in the region.
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Scroll or select which section of the collaboration you want to learn more about:
Areas of Focus
NextGA will focus on six focus areas to help nurture an agriculture-focused innovation ecosystem.
INDUSTRY
INNOVATION
COMMUNITY/QUALITY OF LIFE
RESEARCH
WORKFORCE
COMMUNICATION
What NextGA will accomplish
MISSION
The mission of NextGA is to create a comprehensive model to revitalize Georgia’s #1 industry using innovation as the catalyst to make a real, positive impact in the lives of U.S. farmers and their families.
Where NextGA is headed
VISION & GOALS
Build a sustainable innovation ecosystem to address agricultural challenges.
Promote entrepreneurship, workforce development, and investment in AgTech.
Tell me more
What is NextGA?
Next Generation Agriculture—or NextGA—is a new collaboration funded by the National Science Foundation and led by the University of Georgia that’s intended to work hand in hand with farmers across Southwest Georgia. The mission is to help these communities move toward an innovative approach to food production that combines advanced technologies with a renewed emphasis on individual and community health and well-being.
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UGA Extension, which has a presence in every county in Georgia, is a key leadership team partner. Extension personnel, many of whom have worked for years earning the trust of their local communities, are vital connections between NextGA’s partners and the stakeholders they serve.
Region of Service in Georgia for NextGA
Core Partner Organizations
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Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
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Georgia Agribusiness Council
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Georgia Chamber of Commerce
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Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association
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Southern Regional Technical College
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Sunbelt Ag Expo
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University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Challenges to Address
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Production/Manufacturing Automation: Develop automation and robotics solutions to reduce reliance on manual labor.
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Extreme Weather: Implement climate-smart adaptations, water-saving technologies, and create climate-resilient plant varieties.
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Data Overload: Create AI-powered tools and platforms to synthesize agricultural data for decision-making.
Impact
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Economic Development: Create AgTech jobs and attract investment to SW Georgia.
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Broadscale Workforce Engagement: Expanding access to STEM and agricultural innovation through an inclusive talent pipeline, targeting rural communities and non-Ag majors with AgTech-focused curricula.
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Sustainability and Food Security: Advanced technologies to enhance crop resilience and reduce environmental impact.
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Global Leadership: Position SW Georgia as a model for rural innovation and AgTech advancements.
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Knowledge Transfer: Disseminate best practices and scalable solutions to inspire similar efforts nationwide and internationally.
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Agricultural Literacy: Educate the public on the importance of agriculture to the economy and food security.
Support Partners
Supporting Georgia's #1 industry through strategic initiatives takes collaboration and teamwork. Learn more about the partners on our NextGA team.
Academic Research Consortium
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Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
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Albany State University
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Augusta University
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Emory University
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Fort Valley State University
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Georgia Institute of Technology
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Georgia Southern
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Georgia State University
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Kennesaw State University
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Valdosta State University
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University of Georgia
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USDA-ARS
Current External Collaborating Organizations
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Advanced Technology Development Center
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AgLaunch
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Center on Rural Innovation
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Extension Foundation
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Enterprise Innovation Institute
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Grand Farm
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Lemelson-MIT
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The Directions Group
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VentureWell
Current Partners or Resource Organizations
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Farmers and Ranchers
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Extension Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs
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Colquitt County Board of Commissioners
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Colquitt Regional Health System
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Community Foundation of South Georgia
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Council on Competitiveness
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Fort Valley State University
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Georgia 4-H & Georgia FFA
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Georgia Department of Agriculture
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Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities
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Georgia Department of Economic Development
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Georgia Department of Education
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Georgia Farm Bureau Federation
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Georgia Intellectual Property Alliance
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Georgia Research Alliance
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Georgia Young Farmers Association
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LEAD21
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Locate South Georgia
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National Academy of Inventors
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Regional Development Authorities
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Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - South Georgia
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Rural Innovation Strategies, Inc.
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SCORE South Georgia
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Technical College System of Georgia
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United States Department of Agriculture
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United States Intellectual Property Alliance
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University System of Georgia
Want to learn more?
Contact us.
