20 S G M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 AGRICULTURE As a third generation farmer, Walt Moore brings part of his family’s history to his job as a business consultant. Before joining the University of Georgia (UGA) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Valdosta State University in 2015, Moore had eight years of experience as a consumer and commercial lender. With his financial expertise and a lifetime of farming experience, Moore is an advocate for farmers and agribusiness owners. “I grew up on a farm, and I am still a farmer,” said Moore, who grows blueberries in Lanier County. “I understand both the technical and emotional side of farming.” As part of the SBDC agricultural team, Moore works in collaboration with other consultants across the state that are focused on assisting farmers and agribusiness owners. “Georgia’s leading economic driver is agriculture,” said Moore about the state’s $74.9 billion agriculture industry. “It is a natural fit. We have SBDC consultants throughout the state who understand the unique aspects of the agricultural industry.” Bill Boone, an SBDC entrepreneur development specialist, said the concept of having a specialized team of agricultural consultants was developed to help raise awareness of the economic importance of agriculture in Georgia. “The SBDC has been helping farmers and agribusinesses for years,” Boone said. SBDC Consultants Helping to Build Georgia’s Agricultural Economy “What we are doing with the team is expanding that outreach.” Members of the SBDC agricultural team understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing farmers and agribusiness owners. I grew up on a farm, and I am still a farmer. I understand both the technical and emotional side of farming. - WALT MOORE Walt Moore, UGA SBDC consultant at VSU, examines blueberry bushes in Lanier County.