2017 Georgia Agribusiness Council weekly legislative report 
Volume 26, No. 5       Published by the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Inc.       February 10, 2017

We offer a hearty THANK YOU for the outstanding support of our Atlanta area events this week. Our sold out GAC Annual Meeting and Membership Supper guests were treated to a heartfelt presentation by Wesley Langdale as he shared his perspective on the need for educating schoolkids about agriculture and forestry. He encouraged everyone to ask themselves, “Am I using my talents… Am I using my resources that God has blessed me with?” It was an excellent reminder and call-to-action about the challenging road ahead if more isn’t done to help share the true message of this great industry. We are very grateful to have Wesley on our board of directors, for the generosity of the Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation, and for his passionate leadership on this issue. Check out this brief video about the Destination Ag program. We also enjoyed comments by ABAC President David Bridges and UGA CAES Dean Sam Pardue about the importance of engaging the public on the realities of modern agriculture. Job well done by all of our speakers!

The GAC State Legislative Breakfast was a great success because of the travel and engagement of our membership. Lawmakers were greeted by over 400 members and guests as we filled the Georgia Freight Depot to build relationships and hear from Governor Deal, Lt. Governor Cagle, House Speaker David Ralston, Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, Senate Ag Chairman John Wilkinson, and House Ag Chairman Tom McCall. Special thanks also goes to GAC member and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Terry England for providing speaker introductions. In their remarks, Governor Deal emphasized the importance of the pending decision by the U.S. Supreme Court Special Master regarding the Florida vs. Georgia water war. House Speaker David Ralston mentioned the upcoming formation of a special Rural Development Initiative with meetings across the state to focus on solutions for rural Georgia communities. We are grateful each of these outstanding leaders taking time to be a part of this event. Thanks again to the great group of table sponsors!

Back at the Capitol, four more days ticked off the 40-day clock this week as lawmakers are huddled at the Capitol this Friday morning on Day 16. They will return on Tuesday for another four-day run next week, taking us to the half-way point of the session. As a reminder, here is a link to the schedule of the legislative session, which ends March 30. The list of bills we are tracking continues to grow each week. Many provide benefits to our industry through government flexibility and added benefits…others are problematic. Each week we will update you on bills that had action during the week. We may also suggest actions by you to help shape the final outcome. Let us hear from you and let lawmakers hear from you as well. Here are some bills of interest:

CLARIFYING AD VALOREM TAX EXEMPTION ON LEASED FARM EQUIPMENT
HB 290 by Rep. Sam Watson (Moultrie) is, honestly, an effort to help county tax assessors understand state law. Over a decade ago, the legislature passed (and Georgia voters approved) a referendum stating leased farm equipment is exempt from ad valorem tax (a.k.a. property tax) just like farm equipment that is purchased by qualified farm interests. Sadly, it has been discovered that in their quest for tax money, tax offices in several counties are not honoring the law as written. The only solution is to clear the air with a law that helps them understand what lawmakers intended many years ago. We appreciate being a part of the coalition of ag finance, farm equipment dealers, and farm advocacy groups that are helping push this effort. It will be discussed in the House Ways & Means Ad Valorem Tax Subcommittee next week. We welcome your input. 

Thanks to Southeast AgNet for covering this topic in their radio interview with us this week. Click here for the full interview.

ETHANOL BAN IN FUELS
SB 115 was assigned to the Senate Ag Committee, headed by Sen. John Wilkinson (Toccoa). This bill would prohibit the sale of ethanol gasoline throughout the entire state. This would affect a wide range of industries, many of whom have voiced their concerns, including us. We don’t expect this bill to go anywhere this session, but conversation on this matter will be important as to how it might move forward, in whole or in part. Stay tuned...
CONSERVATION USE (CUVA)
HB 4 was heard again on Monday in the House Ways & Means Sub-committee. This bill would prohibit access or to remain in the Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA) program if the property owner is delinquent in county taxes where the land is located. Once again, members of the committee voiced concerns with real-world scenarios having lasting consequences. Under current code, remedies for late or delinquent taxes are already in place. The bill still did not receive a vote...a good sign that it will not advance.
WATER RESOURCES
SR 152 by Sen. Frank Ginn (Danielsville) would create a joint study committee with the House Natural Resources Committee to take a deep dive into issues related to stream buffers on state waters. With the water war continuing with Florida and concerns over property rights, a study committee is a better choice than pushing a policy initiative. We expect this effort will advance in the coming weeks.

STATE BUDGETS 
The path of Georgia’s current operating budget (FY 2017), HB 43, took the next critical step this week as it passed the Senate on Thursday. Led by Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jack Hill (Reidsville), the Senate changes were relatively non-controversial and it is likely to land on the Governor’s desk for his signature very soon. HB 44, the FY2018 budget continues to be vetted in the House and could see action next week.

FOOD SAFETY
SB 78 by Sen. Lee Anderson (Grovetown) passed Senate on Wednesday with a unanimous vote. This legislation is needed for the Georgia Department of Agriculture to allow specific variances to certain food safety regulations. It would give the Department the flexibility to accommodate the needs of food producing businesses while continuing to protect the public health. It now heads to the House.
provides necessary authority to the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) to enter into agreements with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for enforcement of the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). This bill is necessary to keep FDA away from Georgia businesses by allowing GDA to do the work. It passed the House on Thursday with overwhelming support and now heads to the Senate.  

REVITALIZING RURAL GEORGIA
HB 73 by Rep. Penny Houston (Nashville) passed the House Ways & Means Committee on Thursday afternoon. It is designed to promote the “Revitalization of Vacant Rural Georgia” downtown districts by encouraging investment, job creation, and economic growth in long-established business districts with the incentive of tax credits. In an area with a population of 15,000 or less, a business is able receive up to a $2,000 tax credit for five years in which new full-time equivalent jobs are created and maintained. Another tax credit would compensate the business with 25% of the purchase price of the building and up to 50% of the rehabilitation costs. Many view this as an important step by the General Assembly to help keep small towns across the state sustainable and viable for future growth opportunities.
Special thanks to our 2017 Star Sponsors listed below. We welcome having GAC member companies be a part of this initiative. Please call our office at 706-336-6830 or  click here for details . Thank you!
A.M. Bickley Inc.
Barrington Dairies
Bay Branch Farms, Inc.
Clay Co. & Associates
Curry Farm Supply Inc.
Docia Farms
Doerun Gin Co. Inc.
Georgia Peach Council
Georgia Poultry Federation
Georgia Seed Association Inc.
Israel Farm Supply Inc.
J & B Irrigation Inc.
KAKEGA LLC
Leger & Son, Inc.
Majors Electric & Mechanical Co., Inc.
Oak Hill Farm
Pike Creek Turf, Inc.
Pitts Insurance Agency Inc.
Plantation Seed Conditioners, Inc.
Quality Gin, Inc.
Saddle Creek Farm
Vidalia Onion Business Council

HUNTING AND FISHING FEES
SB 48 by Sen. Bill Heath (Bremen) was heard on the Senate floor on Thursday and passed 53 - 1. This bill will put a freeze on the cost of certain hunting and fishing licenses and tags should you renew before the expiration date. The concept is to encourage license renewal, thus keeping the annual cost stable. It will also continue to generate revenue for the state as more and more licenses are purchased at the current cost and kept renewed as to not spend extra money for the forecasted rise in cost of licenses which have not been raised since the early 90's.

HB 208 by Rep. Trey Rhodes (Greensboro) is the expected legislation that raises the fees for hunting, trapping and fishing licenses. The revenue generated will help the associated departments maintain the lofty standards set by our state in regards to hunting and fishing. The bill is assigned to the House Games, Fish & Parks committee chaired by Rep. David Knight (Griffin) and will have its first hearing this afternoon. This is an initiative coming from Governor Deal's team and is expected to move steadily over the next few weeks.

TALKING GEORGIA AGRICULTURE AT THE INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTION & PROCESSING EXPO (IPPE) 
We were pleased to speak in Atlanta at the IPPE event, which draws visitors and exhibitors engaged in the poultry industry from all over the world. The seminar focused on the agriculture industry here in Georgia, as well as in Mexico, and Brazil, giving us a chance to encourage attendees to bring their business and buying power to our state. Many of the attendees at this event were Canadian agribusinesses seeking information on regulations, market access and industry insight. Georges Lemieux, Senior Trade Commissioner, Consulate General of Canada provided the introduction as we reported on some key economic benefits to doing business in Georgia. Alejandro Coss, President, Latin American Chamber of Commerce and Eduardo Sampaio, Ministry of Agriculture, Brazil, also highlighted their areas of interest. We discussed sales tax exemptions, sound water management, strong state leadership, and robust education, research, and lab facilities through extension services that keep Georgia growing. We have much to celebrate!
GRAPEVINE
*Forestry Day at the Capitol was this Thursday. It provided an opportunity to network with legislators, public officials and decision makers while catching up with Georgia Forestry Association friends, fellow forestry professionals, and landowners.  Speaker of the House, David Ralston was in attendance and spoke briefly about the importance of forestry in our state and was proud that it is number one in the nation in all major categories.
*  Senator Tyler Harper  (Ocilla) submitted  SR 113  commending the  Georgia Young Farmers Association  and designating February 8th as Georgia Young Farmers Day at the capitol. Wednesday was a chance for those representing GYFA to meet Governor Nathan Deal and the General Assembly to be recognized for their leadership and commitment.
*February 8th was also Georgia 4-H "Day at the Capitol". We are proud of what the 4-H organization does in our communities.  SR 37 commends the 4-H Clubs of Georgia and  Mr. James Hancock ,  Mr. Arch D. Smith , and the 2016 - 2017 4-H Leadership Team  and recognizes this special day. This was a chance for members and legislators alike to show their support and brighten up the capitol with their green jackets.
*Georgia Farm Bureau's Day at the Capitol will be February 15th.  SR 82  recognizes February 15th as Georgia Farm Bureau Federation Day at the state capitol.
*Sen. John Wilkinson submitted  SR 81  commending FFA and recognizing February 19 - 26, as National FFA Week, with February 21st as FFA Day at the Capitol. We look forward to this event each year as students from across the state host breakfast for legislators and visit the halls of the state capitol.
*Georgia Agritourism Association’s Annual Conference will be held February 27 – March 1. This is a great opportunity for people to tour Georgia Agritourism operations, network, and learn about the latest in effective marketing strategies, on-farm activities that work, and hear first-hand testimonials from agritourism operators about their success. GAC is proud to be a sponsor of this event. Call 706-845-9085 for more info. 
*The Georgia Citrus Association will have their first annual meeting on February 27th at the UGA Tifton Campus. This new association will be a catalyst for the fruit growing industry in Georgia. Click here for tickets!

*The annual Wild Hog Supper that was supposed to take place earlier this month but was postponed due to inclement weather has been rescheduled for Monday, February 27th from 5:30-7:30 PM. It will continue to be at the Georgia Freight Depot. Tickets are still available for purchase.

*March 3rd, the Georgia Cattlemen's Association will be hosting a steak biscuit breakfast for legislators and guests at the capitol. Beef for breakfast!

*We hope you will make plans to join us at the  Georgia FFA Foundation Blue & Gold Gala slated for Friday, March 10 at the St. Regis Buckhead hotel in Atlanta.  Click here for details .

*The Georgia Peanut Commission and National Peanut Buying Points Association will be hosting Peanut Butter & Jelly Day at the State Capitol on Monday, March 20, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. GAC is proud to be a sponsor of this annual event. SR 194 by Sen. John Wilkinson commends those in the industry and recognizes this date.

* Georgia Ag Week: The Georgia Department of Agriculture is leading our state’s biggest and best industry in a one-week collection of activities. Here are the plans:
Monday, March 20 - Seasons & Faces of Georgia Agriculture
Sloppy Floyd Building Plaza, Atlanta
The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s photo exhibit featuring farmers throughout the state will be displayed in the plaza of the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd Veterans Memorial Building.  The building houses the Capitol Commons food court, a popular lunch destination for state employees.
Tuesday, March 21- Flavor of Georgia
Old Train Depot, Atlanta
The University of Georgia’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences will once again be hosting their annual Flavor of Georgia Contest to showcase delicious Georgia food products. Visit www.flavorofga.com  or contact Sharon Kane at spkane@uga.edu for more info. This event is by invitation only.
Wednesday, March 22- Ag Hero Day (Statewide)
The Georgia Department of Agriculture invites you to celebrate agriculture heroes in your community by writing a note to farmers thanking them for the food and fiber they provide in our daily lives. Schools are encouraged to invite a local Ag Hero into classrooms to discuss the importance of agriculture and the impact farming has on our economy.  A “Pennies for Produce” Drive will be held in schools to collect funds for food banks across the state to purchase local produce when in season.
Thursday, March 23- Ag Literacy Day (Statewide)
With the guidance of Georgia Farm Bureau, the Georgia Department of Agriculture is encouraging all of our local and state partners to read a designated agriculture literacy book to a local school classroom. Contact Donna Rocker at dhrocker@gfb.org for classroom activities and more info.
Friday, March 24- Make My Plate Georgia Grown Day (Statewide)
The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Farm to School Program and the Georgia Department of Education’s School Nutrition Program have partnered together to create a Georgia Grown menu to feature local products in school cafeteria’s across the state. The Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Department of Education, School Nutrition is encouraging local and state partners to visit a school cafeteria in your community and enjoy a tasty Georgia Grown lunch.
2017 AGAware Workshops
AgSouth Farm Credit and AgGeorgia Farm Credit is hosting a series of informative workshops in order for farmers to get a better understanding of how to approach their finances.
Topics covered in the program include: Balance Sheets, Income Statements, Family Finance & Family Budgeting, Risk Management, Accrual Income, Applying for Financing and Preparing a Business Plan with bonus video topics on Record Keeping, Marketing, and Technology available for continued education. Click here to register!
  • Friday, February 24 - Perry, GA (AgGeorgia Farm Credit Headquarters)
  • Friday, March 17 - Greensboro, GA (Greene County Farm Bureau)
  • Friday, August 18 - West Columbia, SC (Phillips Market Center)
  • Friday, August 25 - Waynesboro, GA (Burke County Office Park)

This information is intended for members of the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Inc. No part of this document shall be copied, edited, or redistributed in any form without express written consent from the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Inc.

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