Better Fresh Farms founder Grant Anderson planted the seed for his new business back in 2016 in Effingham County. The hydroponic operation moved to Metter shortly after and has been growing ever since. "Just grateful for all the support we've had locally," says Anderson. "If it wasn't for several folks at the state and local level that have gotten behind us, there's no way we would be where we are today."
Better Fresh Farms produces numerous varieties of lettuce, kale, herbs, and other vegetables. "It just took us putting in the effort to figure out where we fit in a world that doesn't exist yet," adds Anderson. The next crop popping up in Metter.... mushrooms.
4 Fungi's Regenerative, an offshoot of Better Fresh Farms, utilizes agricultural waste to cultivate mushrooms and other crops. "Innovative projects such as this remind us that the future of Georgia's No. 1 industry remains strong and that exciting opportunities are coming to communities in every corner of the state," says Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.
The 4 Fungi facility will create almost 50 new jobs and $27 million in investment in Candler County. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new plant will be held on Wednesday, November 15, at the Metter-Candler I-16 Industrial Park. "We're now working with professors at the University of Georgia to establish Ph.D. programs where they will start sending students down here to learn and study what we're doing and to help us figure out how to improve the process," adds Anderson.
Source: WJCL