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Volume 26, No. 9 Published by the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Inc. March 10, 2017
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Lawmakers are at work today for Day 31 as the final stretch of the 40 day legislative session nears. The late night last Friday proved beneficial as “crossover day” passed and set the stage for the final few weeks. We are pleased with the progress of agribusiness issues but the first nine weeks of the session seldom tell the story for the final three…there is much work left to do.
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We appreciate the great participation in our QUICK POLL last week.
Our question was: Which one of the following initiatives would you like to see receive additional state funding?
Here is how you voted:
1. Expanding Broadband for Rural Georgia (50%)
2. Enhancing Agricultural Education (36%)
3. Increased Water Conservation Programs (12%)
4. Preserving Land for Hunting and Fishing (2%)
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Which of the following do you believe is the biggest threat to agricultural production?
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1. Animal rights activists such as the Humane Society of the US (HSUS)
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2. Radical environmentalists such as the Sierra Club
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3. Elected leaders with no interest in plant and animal production
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4. Consumers with little knowledge of ag technology and food production
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Thank you for the quick response to the Georgia AgPac created by the Georgia Agribusiness Council. We are grateful for the contributions submitted over the past two weeks. These funds will be used to support non-federal candidates in the races for legislative and statewide offices. We welcome all contributions to advance this initiative (corporate or personal). Please call our office at 706-336-6830 or click here to download the donation form to be a partner in this effort.
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Committee meetings were underway most of the week and that will be the case next week as well when legislators return to Atlanta on Monday. A key part of getting bills passed is to try and avoid logjams in the final days. It's all part of the process.
Here’s the latest on bills that made progress since last week:
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AGRIBUSINESS JOBS & RURAL DEVELOPMENT
HR 389 by Rep. Sam Watson (Moultrie) is the initiative creating the House Rural Development Council that we have mentioned in previous weeks. It is strongly supported by House Speaker David Ralston. The House Economic Development Committee heard from Rep. Watson and, in a rare move, Speaker Ralston attended and spoke about his passion for this Council. 15 members of the House of Representatives would be appointed by the Speaker to explore rural area challenges all across the state. The process could last two years. It is slated for a vote on the House floor today. Please check out the brief video below for more details from Rep. Watson and Speaker Ralston.
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SOLAR PANELS
HB 238 by Rep. Matt Hatchett (Dublin) was discussed in the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday but did not advance. In addition to the solar panel provisions, it is expected to include an updated definition of a “family farm entity” and it has language that would allow a carve out for free farm worker housing. GAC supports this effort, especially the changes to “family farm entity,” and we are working to see it advance next week. As a reminder, it would allow solar panels to be installed on land entered into a Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA) or Forest Land Protection Act (FLPA) covenant without a breach (or a limited penalty for breach) of the covenant. Stay tuned…
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LIVESTOCK LIABILITY
HB 50 by Rep. Clay Pirkle (Ashburn) made the cut late in the evening of “crossover day.” We commend the tenacity of Rep. Pirkle in this process as he guided the bill through a stack of trial lawyers and then through the House with overwhelming support. This Georgia Cattlemen's Association priority also has a lot of support from the Georgia Farm Bureau and the Georgia Milk Producers. Livestock education and experience is the ultimate goal, as the bill looks to provide much needed liability protections for those engaged in activities in managing cattle, goats, sheep, and swine. The real winners will be 4-H, FFA, and ag education students - in addition to the expansion of local livestock shows. It is assigned to the Senate Agriculture Committee and will likely advance next week. We appreciate Southeast AgNet for sharing our message on the status of this bill.
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UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES
On Tuesday the Senate Transportation Committee approved HB 481 by House Transportation Chairman Kevin Tanner (Dawsonville) which would limit local regulations on unmanned aircraft or drones. The concern was that if cities and municipalities were allowed individual autonomy regarding drones, the state would become a patchwork of regulations. Local governments that already have laws in place will stand but any new ordinances must fall under the guidelines set by the Federal Aviation Administration. With new advances in drone technology and agriculture, we view this as a positive step forward. It passed the Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday.
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FOOD AND FOOD SAFETY
HB 176 by House Ag Chairman Tom McCall
(Elberton) provides the authority needed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) to enter into agreements with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enforce 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 Senate unanimously on Monday and is now ready to be signed by the Governor.
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SB 69 by Senate Ag Chairman John Wilkinson
(Toccoa) passed the House on Thursday. Currently, certified organic operations in Georgia are required to register each year with the Georgia Department of Agriculture at no cost. This is already required by the USDA and these businesses are already posted on their official website. This bill strikes the language that requires Georgia to take action thus reducing costs. This bill now goes to the Governor’s desk for signature.
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SB 78 by Sen. Lee Anderson (Grovetown) authorizes the commissioner of the Department of Agriculture to issue a variance or waiver of certain rules and regulations of the department. These waivers or variances can be given authorization if the rule would create a substantial hardship to a person. Additionally, these tools cannot be used if they would be harmful to the public. This bill passed the House on Thursday and it is now ready to be signed by the Governor.
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WATER RESOURCES
SR 152
by
Sen. Frank Ginn
(Danielsville) passed the House Natural Resources & Environment Committee Thursday morning. You’ll recall it is similar to HR 362 and would create a joint study committee to explore issues related to stream buffers on state waters. Property rights can often be overlooked (or ignored) in stream buffer policy discussions. We support having a study committee process to ensure property rights and environmental stewardship are considered before any new laws are created.
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BROADBAND IN RURAL GEORGIA
There were many pieces of legislation this session that tried to address the lack of wireless and broadband technology in rural areas across the state. U
nfortunately, none were able to beat the Crossover Day deadline. This is a popular issue with legislators and GAC members, so work will continue to find a path forward next year.
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TRANSIT INITIATIVES
As mentioned previously, two transit initiatives have been cruising around the Capitol this year to address the need for a broad
perspective
on transit within our state.
SB 6
and
HB 160
were both discussed in their respective Transportation Committees this week and we look for them to advance in the coming days. While SB 6 includes issues impacting rural Georgia, HB 160 is not as broad and Senators voiced their concerns over this omission. Transit is not just important in urban areas, but must also work for moving goods throughout the state and to export markets. We look for progress on these bills in the weeks ahead.
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ADVANCING GEORGIA'S LEADERS PROGRAM: NOMINATIONS OPEN!
The Council is pleased to be a founding sponsor of the Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture and Forestry (AGL) program. It is a proven leadership program for agriculture, forestry, and natural resource interests to help build awareness and strengthen relationships that will aid participants in the future. AGL is an 18-month program that includes an optional, six-day, international experience. The in-state curriculum takes place in 18 days and is designed with over 90 interactive sessions that include engagement with industry speakers, field experiences, personality assessments, and soft-skills training.
Nominations are currently open for the 2017 Class. To participate, you must be nominated by someone in agriculture, forestry, or supporting industries. Nominations will close March 31, 2017. Click here for information on applying for the program. After nominations are received and reviewed, applications will be sent to qualifying nominees.
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Agri-Business Supply Inc.
DeWitt Produce Co. Inc.
Gillis Bros. Inc.
Leatherbrook Holsteins LLC
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A.M. Bickley Inc.
Barrington Dairies
Bay Branch Farms, Inc.
Choice Wood Inc.
Clay Co. & Associates
Curry Farm Supply Inc.
Doug Hopkins
GA Ag. Commodity Commission for Tobacco
GA Association of Professional Ag. Consultants
Georgia Watermelon Association
Greg Sikes Farm, LLC
Saddle Creek Farm
Vidalia Onion Business Council
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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!
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*DEVASTATING FIRES OUT WEST: Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the farmers and ranchers working to protect their cattle as the wild fires burn in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado. It is devastating the lives and livestock of many. Those looking to help ag allies in these areas, please go to www.beefusa.org and click on the link to find out more about fire relief resources. Please keep these families, communities and firefighters in your prayers. Thank you.
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*Rural Caucus Chairman Rep. Sam Watson recognized the Department of Agriculture on Wednesday for their 100th anniversary of The Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin. The Bulletin was first published on March 1, 1917 under the leadership of Commissioner J.J. Brown. It has proven to be a vital resource to farmers and consumers through its classifieds and it has informed consumers of the monthly sales and events promoting Georgia Grown goods. The Bulletin currently has over 40,000 subscribers and continues to be an invaluable aid to the farming community. At only $10 a year, it is a great value.
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*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.
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*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.
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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)
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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. Georgia Agribusiness Council | 706-336-6830 |
WWW.GA-AGRIBUSINESS.ORG
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