2017 Georgia Agribusiness Council weekly legislative report 
Volume 26, No. 8       Published by the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Inc.       March 3, 2017

We are at the State Capitol today as the key milestone of “Crossover Day” has finally arrived. This 28th legislative day will test the patience of lawmakers in the House and Senate as they settle in to log many hours at their desks in Atlanta. The good news is that, after today, the 8 weeks of legislative activity will provide some clarity as to what is (and what is not) in play for the remaining 12 days of the session. Most of the key bills for agriculture interests have already advanced, but there are others that remain – we will highlight them for you in the following report.   

We appreciate the great participation in our QUICK POLL last week. 
Our question was: Which 2017 legislative topic is the most important to you?
The top three responses were:
1.       Solar panels on CUVA land: HB 238 (21%)
2.       Georgia Ag Tax Exemption (GATE): no legislation at this time (18%)
3.       2018 State Budget: HB 44 (14%)
(Several others tied for fourth place at 11%)
QUICK POLL #2
Which one of the following initiatives would you like to see receive additional state funding?
Enhancing Agricultural Education
Preserving Land for Hunting and Fishing
Expanding Broadband for Rural Georgia
Increased Water Conservation Programs
GAC MEMBERSHIP GROWTH CONTINUES!
GAC is excited to announce that we have added 27 new members in 2017!
If you know of someone that would be a great addition to our organization, please encourage them visit our website at www.ga-agribusiness.org or call our office at 706/336-6830. Thank you! 

Upon wrapping up this busy Friday, lawmakers will head home, but return quickly on Monday for a long string of days filled with committee meetings as House bills start to advance in the Senate and Senate bills make their way through the House. As the photo from the Legislative Counsel office indicates, lawmakers and lobbyists have a lot of reading to stay busy...and the number goes up every day. The final day of the session is still slated for March 30, so these final four weeks won’t have much down time. Here’s the latest list of bills seeing action this week: 
AGRIBUSINESS JOBS & RURAL DEVELOPMENT
HB 314 by Rep. Jason Shaw (Lakeland) creates the "Georgia Agribusiness and Rural Jobs Act." It is meant to provide a non-traditional funding program for rural areas. It would supplement traditional funding mechanisms and targets rural counties. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs would provide administrative oversight of this program. At our request, the bill was amended so that it would require those looking to participate in this program to have a letter of referral or rejection from a banking institution. It passed out of the House 173 – 1 on Wednesday. Check out our brief video with Rep. Shaw as he shares more insight on this legislation.

HR 389 would create the House Rural Development Council and is being spearheaded by House Speaker David Ralston. Its purpose is to explore rural area challenges distinct from other areas of Georgia. It would be composed of 15 members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker. It's slated for discussion in the House Economic Development Committee on Tuesday.

FOREST LAND PROTECTION
Constitutional amendment HR 51 and its companion, HB 85, by House Ways & Means Chairman Jay Powell (Camilla) is an effort to remove outdated means of determining fair market value for forestland. It eliminates 2008 as the base year for the formula used to reimburse counties from losses created by Forest Land Protection Act (FLPA) savings. It will charge the Georgia Department of Revenue to create a new class of taxable property for timberland and it allows the state to assume responsibility for timberland valuations. This uniform approach would make it clear that the state will use the income approach to value forestland. They both passed the House on Wednesday and now head to the Senate.
AD VALOREM TAX EXEMPTION ON LEASED FARM EQUIPMENT
HB 290 by Rep. Sam Watson (Moultrie) continued to make quick strides this week. After passing the House a week ago, it moved through the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday with unanimous support. This simple bill has a very important goal of helping ensure Georgia county tax assessors fully understand that leased farm equipment for family farm operations is NOT subject to property tax. It could get a vote on the Senate floor very soon and send it to the desk of Governor Deal for signature.  
AG EDUCATION
HB 437 
by Rep. Robert Dickey (Musella) is a bill establishing the Agriculture Education Advisory Commission. It will evaluate and provide reports on the conditions, needs, issues, and problems facing our state's ag education division. The standing commission will help address these issues and strengthen the quality and participation in ag education. A similar initiative was utilized in the past with great success. It was passed the House on Wednesday with an overwhelming 165 – 1 vote.
CONSERVATION FUNDS FROM STATE SALES TAX
HB 332, also by Rep. Sam Watson, provides for a Constitutional Amendment that would authorize 75% of all moneys received from state sales taxes on outdoor recreation equipment be dedicated to the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund. The purpose of this funding would be for protection and preservation of conservation land. This initiative will require approval by voters during the November 2018 General Election. It passed the House Natural Resources & Environment Committee on Thursday and is likely to be approved on the House floor later today. 

ETHANOL BAN BILL IS DEAD
As mentioned two weeks ago, we opposed SB 115 in the Senate Agriculture Committee and we were pleased the committee took action that tabled this legislation. Since it did not advance to the Senate floor for a vote, it is dead for this year. However, an effort to urge Congress to look at eliminating the use of ethanol in fuels across the nation, SR 205 is likely to pass the Senate in the weeks ahead. This resolution by Senator Frank Ginn (Danielsville) expresses concerns about the use of ethanol, but it is only symbolic and has no force of law.
BROADBAND IN RURAL GEORGIA
 HB 372 by Rep. Don Parsons (Marietta) would create an exemption for certain equipment used in the deployment of broadband technology in qualified counties. There are several initiatives regarding the implementation of broadband in rural areas that are moving in the legislature this session and this bill could be the best path forward if lawmakers add it to the list of bills up for a vote today.
2018 STATE BUDGET
HB 44 , the FY2018 budget, is still under consideration by the Senate Appropriations Committee led by Chairman Jack Hill (Reidsville). This $25 billion state budget should surface in the next two weeks. We hear good things regarding items of interest to agriculture, including a strong boost to UGA Experiment Station and Extension Service maintenance and operations budgets as well as bond funding for the design, construction and equipment for the renovation of the Poultry Science Research Facilities in Athens. It is all but certain that a late session conference committee will hash out final details, so stay tuned…
WATER RESOURCES
HR 362 by House Natural Resources & Environment Chair Lynn Smith (Newnan) passed the House on Wednesday. It would create a joint study committee with the Senate Natural Resources Committee to take a deep dive into issues related to stream buffers on state waters. It is the same initiative already approved last week by the Senate (SR 152). With concerns over property rights being a primary focus, we support having a study committee process flesh out the issue before any new laws are created.

LICENSE FEES
HB 208 by Rep. Trey Rhodes (Greensboro) passed the House on Wednesday with overwhelming support. This bill raises fees for hunting, trapping and fishing licenses. The boost in revenue will be re-invested in fish and wildlife programs. This initiative is coming from Governor Deal's team and now heads to the Senate.
LIVESTOCK LIABILITY
HB 50 by Rep. Clay Pirkle (Ashburn) seeks to extend the current liability protections covering llamas and equine to also include livestock (cattle, goats, sheep, and swine). It may sound familiar... because it is. This bill almost passed last year, but time ran out before it could receive a final vote. The goal of the legislation is to support opportunities for 4-H, FFA, and ag education students in addition to the expansion of local livestock shows. This is a priority issue for the Georgia Cattlemen's Association. It passed the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, but must pass the House today to remain viable.
PARDUE ADDRESSES AG COMMITTEE
UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Dean and Director Sam Pardue addressed the House Agriculture Committee this week. Dean Pardue discussed admissions statistics, student demographics, and shared his observations after nearly one year on the job. Committee members expressed their appreciation for Cooperative Extension Agents across the state and commended the work of 4-H .
A.M. Bickley Inc.
Barrington Dairies
Bay Branch Farms, Inc.
Choice Wood Inc.
Clay Co. & Associates
Curry Farm Supply Inc.
 Davis M. Love III and Robin B. Love 
Docia Farms
Doerun Gin Co. Inc.
GA Ag. Commodity Commission for Tobacco
GA Association of Professional Ag. Consultants
Georgia Peach Council
Georgia Poultry Federation
Georgia Seed Association Inc.
Georgia Watermelon Association
Greg Sikes Farm, LLC
Hattaway Farms Partnerships
Holifield Farms 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
Swainsboro Stockyard
TriEst Ag Group, Inc.
Vidalia Onion Business Council
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!

The Georgia Agribusiness Council was created for the purpose of advocating for agribusiness interests in the legislative and regulatory arenas. In advancing these activities, the Council formed a Political Action Committee (PAC) called Georgia AgPAC and will have several functions, including:

* Financially supporting the campaigns of political candidates friendly to our initiatives;
* Educating elected officials and key decision makers on issues important to agribusiness;
* Advocacy of issues that advance our industry and communities

Contributions from Georgia AgPAC will be restricted to non-federal candidates in the races for legislative and statewide offices. Georgia AgPAC needs your contribution to advance this initiative. Your corporate or personal commitment will help us prepare today. All donations are welcome. Please call our office at 706-336-6830 or click here to download the donation form to be a partner in this effort. 
GRAPEVINE
* RULE DITCHED! Nearly three years of battling the EPA made the news this week very sweet! Agriculture, forestry, landowners and property rights advocates celebrated as President Trump issued an Executive Order on Tuesday that instructed the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers to formally reconsider the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. The process could take a while, but the “Ditch The Rule” campaign paid off! A great win for all of America! (Above photo: (L-R) American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall, GAC President Bryan Tolar, and GA Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black proudly showcase a banner with over 1200 signatures at the Sunbelt Ag Expo)
* We attended the Department of Natural Resources Board meeting on Tuesday where Georgia EPD Director Rick Dunn discussed the drought status. While much of the state has received beneficial winter rainfall, Lake Lanier is at its lowest level for March 1 since 2009 and remains 10 feet below full pool. On Thursday, Georgia officials eased drought levels in 86 counties, but 12 metro area and north Georgia counties remain at Drought Level 2. Go to www.georgiawatersmart.com for more information.
* The date is set! Georgia's famed sweet Vidalia Onions will ship to stores on April 12! 
* Garland Thompson was honored on Tuesday in Georgia House with HR 433 by Rep. Dominic LaRiccia (Douglas). We have seen many honoring resolutions over the years, but this one stands on its own as it is soaked deep with gratitude for all Mr. Thompson has done, for being such a quality family man, and recognizing him for his leadership and deep personal commitment to the welfare of the citizens of Georgia. Well done and much deserved!
* The annual Wild Hog Supper that was postponed due to winter weather in January, finally celebrated the great work of the Georgia Food Bank Association on Monday. We are pleased to be a sponsor of this event each year.
* Today is beef biscuit day at the capitol! Congrats to GCA leader Will Bentley and the  Georgia Cattlemen's Association  along with Georgia Milk Producers Exec Director Farrah Newberry and her team for hosting this annual event. Beef and milk for breakfast! (photo: (L-R) Everett Williams, Farrah Newberry, Senator Butch Miller, Rep. Chad Nimmer, and Will Bentley)
*We hope to see you at the  Georgia FFA Foundation Blue & Gold Gala on 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 265 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 are 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, 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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