Georgia Grown Trail pitch asks Dawson County to join agritourism route along Highway 52

Deb Cantrell, representing the Georgia Rural Center (a division of the Georgia Department of Agriculture), asked Dawson County commissioners to consider committing to a Georgia Grown Trail that would follow Highway 52 and link stops that showcase Georgia‑grown agricultural products and agritourism businesses.

Cantrell said the trail’s criteria include a rural character, publicly accessible parking, and participation by Georgia Grown members. Participating counties must support the route and provide branded signage at county lines; Cantrell said the Department of Agriculture is involved in oversight, and chambers or a fiscal agent can assist with administration and sign costs. She said the county’s outlay would likely be modest and that trail signs run about $300 each.

Commissioners expressed support; one commissioner noted Dawson County already draws agri‑tourism visits and suggested the county and chamber could cover sign costs.

What’s next: Cantrell requested a formal commitment from county leadership and said a legislative sponsor would file the packet after the multi‑county agreement is complete. No formal vote was recorded during the work session.

Sources: presentation by Deb Cantrell, Georgia Rural Center; commissioners’ comments.