Oconee County is the 13th smallest county in GA but produces more agricultural product value than 126 of the 159 counties in GA.  Oconee's agriculture is a very important part of our rural heritage and our quality of life.  Oconee County has a high percentage of high quality soils, but also high pressure for development. Oconee County is losing agricultural land to development at one of the highest rates in Georgia.  Our Farmland Protection Program started in 1998 is perhaps the longest lasting, most successful such program in GA.  Continued funding is necessary for the continuation of this very important program.