b'ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTOn average, a crop yields about 70% of what is considered perfect, meaning Food Solution no blemishes or Colquitt County Sets Its Sights on Foodspots, and sold Processing Facility to supermarkets. The remainder is Often recognized for its robust agricultural prominence, Colquitt County spans more than 356,000 acres, with almost half focuseddiscarded.on commodity production, including fruits and nuts, row and forage crops, and vegetables.- BARBARA GROGANColquitt County claims the states No.1 agricultural spot, generating about $458 million in annual farm gate value and $1.3 billion in economic impact.Representing a solid farming community with approximately 500 farms employing more than 6,000 people, Colquitt County is also home to National Beef and Sanderson Farm, with a combined workforce of more than 2,000.As COVID-19 emerged, it brought significant changes to almost all U.S. industries, including food processing. As a result, in 2020, overall food spending dropped to $1.69 trillion, down from $1.79 trillion the previous year. The loss was not equally distributed. Food purchased away from home in restaurants, schools, and other food establishments dropped by $164.8 billion. While food bought from supermarkets and big-box stores increased by $68 billion.32 SG MAGAZINE| WINTER 2022 BUSINESS + CULTURE33'