GAC TALKS AGRIBUSINESS ISSUES IN DC
The Georgia Agribusiness Council led a group of GAC members and allied organizations to Washington, DC on July 11 - 12 to meet with the Georgia delegation and discuss critical issues facing the agricultural industry. Issues included:
- Ag Workforce: Asked that the GA delegation support legislation creating a new federal H-2C program. We stressed that the struggles for a viable workforce in agriculture, landscaping, and forestry are not new, but the pressures of obtaining a workforce are growing substantially given several key factors. An unemployment rate of just under 4% has made the opportunity to find local labor increasingly dire. Obtaining the H-2A and H-2B visa workers have many challenges, including little flexibility and substantial expenses. Support the advancement of a H-2C guestworker program. It is our best hope for meaningful ag workforce reforms. This was followed-up with a coalition letter from nine ag and forestry organizations asking for support and co-sponsorship of the “AG and Legal Workforce Act.” It garnered the co-sponsorship of Reps. Austin Scott, Doug Collins, Sanford Bishop, and Rick Allen. In addition, Reps Drew Ferguson, Barry Loudermilk, and Rob Woodall have already agreed to support the bill when it reaches the House floor.
- Electronic Logging Device: The single biggest regulatory issue hampering farmers and agribusinesses is the unworkable limits placed on the trucking industry regarding the mandated use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELD). While some delays and adjustments have been made, the ELD program is still fraught with flaws. There are three bills gaining traction on this issue. We asked Members to support efforts to bills that expand the Hours of Service (HOS) air mile radius from 150 air miles to 300 air miles and remove the “planting and harvesting” requirement, so it is in effect year-round. Another effort underway is an industry petition to FMCSA for a one-year pilot program to expand the Short Haul exemption radius to 300 air miles. If the data collected shows no adverse safety impact, the agency would then go through a rulemaking to make the changes national in scope and permanent. When talking with Members of Congress, be sure to tell them the hardships our industry is having with the ELD requirements and the overall shortage of trucks and drivers to move our goods. They need to continue hearing from our industry.
- Farm Bill: While the commodity titles rightfully draw much attention in the Farm Bill, there are other components that are needed to advance the overall health of the agriculture industry. For years we have worked with the Georgia delegation to build support for various reforms that would strengthen the needs of our industry regarding the registration and use of pesticide products. Unfortunately, these initiatives always faltered in the Senate due procedural maneuvering. Now is the time to see these issues finalized in the upcoming Farm Bill conference report. These issues include eliminating the required NPDES permit needed for pesticide applications made to or near waters of the U.S. and the need to reauthorize the Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act (PRIA-4). We asked that these issues be captured in the upcoming Farm Bill conference report.
- Trade Tariffs: We shared our concerns about the impact of the new trade tariffs put in place by China and other countries. We know these will have a negative impact on our producers and agribusinesses, hurting our rural communities. While we understand these issues are fluid, we wanted to share the concerns expressed by our industry member and partners across a diverse group of agriculture and forestry interests.
|
|
|
|
Congressman Sanford Bishop
|
|
Congresswoman Karen Handel
|
|
We were honored to meet with
Senators Johnny Isakson
and
David Perdue,
as well as
Reps. Doug Collins, Drew Ferguson
and
Karen Handel
on the first day. The second day included a breakfast meeting with
Representatives Rob Woodall, Rick Allen,
Tom Graves, and Jody Hice
. Afterwards, we moved from office to office meeting with
Reps. Sanford Bishop, Austin Scott, Barry Loudermilk, Buddy Carter,
and
David Scott
. The trip also included meetings at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to discuss ag labor with
Kristi Boswell
, International trade with
Peter Bachman
, and ELD issues with
Misty Giles
.
|
|
We were also proud to greet the
UGA Ag Fellows
in the offices where they served this summer. Their Fellowship provided them with a first-hand account of how our elected officials manage ag policy issues and legislation. We are pleased to support this initiative each year and we appreciate UGA CAES and the other supporters of the Ag Fellowship program.
|
|
We appreciate the group that attended and engaged in these discussions
(photo below:
(L-R) Bucky Kennedy (Southern Crop Production Association), Thomas Carter (Georgia Development Authority), Tom Beyer (Georgia Forestry Association), Mary Kay Woodworth (Georgia Urban Ag Council), Nowell Berreth (Alston & Bird LLP), Mark Thelen (Landmark Landscapes), Bryan Tolar (Georgia Agribusiness Council), Will Bentley (Georgia Cattlemen’s Association),
and
Tripp Cofield (Georgia Farm Bureau).
|
|
WELCOME NEW GAC MEMBERS!
Thanks so much to these new members and for the many membership renewals that allow GAC to lead this great industry. With your word of mouth support and participation in our events and member services, the Council continues to grow. Your support is an investment in this industry. Thank you!
|
|
We hope you plan to attend Harvest Celebration on November 16, 2018 at the Cobb Galleria Centre.
C
ountry music powerhouse,
Sammy Kershaw
will serve as our entertainment -
check out our promotion video
. This event is key to the advocacy efforts of the Council, and we are very grateful for the support provided by our many members and industry friends. We are putting together a first-class, engaging evening that you will want to share with friends, family and co-workers.
Click the button below or call the GAC office at 706-336-6830 to secure your tickets today.
|
Thank you to the Early Bird tickets buyers!
All were entered into a drawing for one of twelve great prizes! The winners are announced below:
A one-night's stay on November 16 at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel:
Triangle Chemical Co.
One of three field of Dreams ticket books:
FPL Food LLC
Hall, Booth, Smith, P.C.
plain.stated.LLC
One of eight autographed items
from Sammy Kershaw:
Atlantic & Southern Equipment, LLC
AT&T Georgia
Georgia Development Authority
Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Inc.
Georgia Plant Food Educational Society, Inc.
Georgia Power Co.
Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts
L.L. Rogers and Son, Inc.
|
JULY RESULTS:
WHICH ISSUES ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU IN THE UPCOMING RACE FOR GOVERNOR?
- Advance economic development in rural areas across Georgia: 33%
- Protect and advance funding for ag education, research & promotion: 29%
- Protect tax benefits for farm and agribusiness interests (GATE & CUVA): 25%
- Additional income tax reductions: 13%
|
AUGUST MEMBER POLL:
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE NEW ONLINE MEMBER DIRECTORY?
|
|
Please select from the following:
|
|
Glad it can include a detailed description of my business.
|
|
|
|
|
Good to have my company logo captured with my membership information.
|
|
|
|
|
The online format is a convenient way to look up other GAC member contacts.
|
|
|
|
|
Have not yet utilized it. (Please check it out & let us know if we can help)
|
|
|
|
|
|
AG ISSUES SUMMIT; AUG. 23 IN PERRY
GAC is pleased to once again be among the sponsors of the Ag Issues Summit. We encourage you to register today to attend the upcoming event being held in Perry, GA. Georgia’s two Agriculture Committee Chairmen,
Sen. John Wilkinson
and
Rep. Tom McCall
are hosting this event on Thursday,
August 23, 2018
at
10:00 AM
.
The agenda includes several important agricultural issues such as:
- Modifications to the Georgia Ag Tax Exemption (GATE) program.
- The impact of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on water use.
- Information on the new Georgia Center for Rural Prosperity & Innovation based in Tifton.
- Legislation and action on expanding ag education programs.
We will also hear an update on new facilities at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter.
The meeting is free, but registration is required and space is limited. Please contact:
to
register as soon as possible.
This is a great opportunity to hear about current policy issues and give input. The
Georgia Agribusiness Council is proud to be a lunch sponsor of this event
along with the
Georgia Urban Ag Council, Georgia Poultry Federation, Georgia Farm Bureau,
and the
Georgia Forestry Association
. We hope to see you there.
|
GRANT AND SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
GAC started
the Dr. Joe B. Crane Memorial Classroom Grant Program
to deliver grant funds directly to teachers for ag education projects. It is named for longtime GAC Director and education program advocate Dr. Joe B. Crane of Valdosta. Dr. Joe was an integral part of the Lowndes County Board of Education and carried his passion for education wherever he went. We are proud to support this program that gives Georgia teachers the chance to creatively teach agriculture in their classroom. Any public or private school teacher in Georgia, no matter the grade level, wanting to incorporate the importance of agriculture in their lesson plans can take advantage of this opportunity for assistance in the classroom to help educate the future generation of Georgians.
The applications are due postmarked to the GAC office by October 15, 2018.
|
GAC is also proud to announce the release of the
William C. "Bill" Baisley "Sumpin' Big" Scholarship
applications for 2018. This $1000 scholarship is offered to a student or two in need of financial assistance studying for an agricultural career at a college in Georgia. Mr. Baisley, longtime friend of GAC and Director Emeritus on our board of directors, has a passion for the future of agriculture and those looking to advance it. Bill used the phrase “sumpin big” as a way to move ideas forward. We honor him with this scholarship and look forward to helping a student that is moving our industry forward. Please share this scholarship application with a college student or high school senior in Georgia needing financial assistance and studying in the areas of agriculture or natural resources.
The scholarship application is due postmarked to the GAC office on or before October 15, 2018.
|
|
Agri-Business Supply Inc.
Brooksco Dairy, LLC
Dewitt Produce Co. Inc.
Leatherbrook Holsteins LLC
Ready Truck Lines, LLC
W Dairy LLC
|
Bay Branch Farms, Inc.
Cochran Oil Mill & Ginnery Inc.
Coffee County Gin Co. Inc
Coley Gin & Fertilizer Co. Inc.
CSA Farms, Inc.
Curry Farm Supply Inc.
Docia Farms
Emanuel Peanut & Grain LLC
Embry Transport Inc.
GA Agricultural Commodity for Tobacco
Georgia Seed Association Inc.
Hattaway Farms Partnership
Hazel Creek Cider, Inc. / Yearwood Farms
Israel Farm Supply Inc.
J & B Irrigation Inc.
KAKEGA LLC
Lyle Farms, LLC
Pineland Plantation
Quality Gin, Inc.
Shellman Carriers, LLC
Swainsboro Stockyard
Vidalia Onion Business Council
|
Special thanks to all of our Star Sponsors. Please call our office at 706-336-6830 for details.
Thank you!
|
|
GATE CARD REGULATIONS ARE POSTED FOR REVIEW/COMMENT
The Georgia Dept of Agriculture (GDA) has started the process of making their Georgia Ag Tax Exemption (GATE) regulations comply with the law that was passed earlier this year. One new step is making sure all GATE card holders have a valid state taxpayer identification number obtained through, or recognized by, the Department of Revenue’s Georgia Tax Center at
https://gtc.dor.ga.gov
.
We have asked GDA to provide a step-by-step guidance document to all GATE card holders to make the process of obtaining a taxpayer identification number as simple as possible. GDA has also proposed that, if your GATE card is lost, it will cost you $30 to replace it.
GDA is accepting written comments throughout August, ending on August 31. Please let us know if we can be of assistance.
Click here for the draft regulations and info on submitting comments.
|
|
SENATOR JOHN WILKINSON HONORED WITH FFA RECOGNITION
|
|
Hearty congratulations to
Senator John Wilkinson
on this very special recognition as the new
Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center
Dining Hall
was dedicated in his name. With a storied history in service to others and helping generations of students, this tribute is certainly fitting. Great to have hundreds of special guests attend, including
Lt. Governor Cagle
and numerous state legislators along with many ag teachers from across Georgia. Congratulations, Senator
John K. Wilkinson
!
|
|
|
FORESTRY PRESENTS AWARD TO RICHARD ROYAL
The Wise Owl Award is the
Georgia Forestry Association's
highest award and is presented each year to an individual who is dedicated to strengthening the forestry industry in Georgia for landowners and businesses. At the 2018 Georgia Forestry Association Summer Conference, GFA leadership presented The Wise Owl Award to
Mr. Richard Royal
. Richard is a great friend to all areas of agribusiness and is certainly worthy of this special recognition.
We congratulate him and the GFA for much success in promoting Georgia's forest industry!
|
|
GREAT VEHICLE MAINTENANCE TOOL FROM ASMARK INSTITUTE
|
|
GAC is proud to partner with the Asmark Institute for quality training and compliance programs.
ResponsibleAg is an industry-led initiative committed to helping agribusinesses properly store and handle farm input supplies.
The program helps ensure these ag facilities are compliant with environmental, health, safety and security regulations. Across the nation, over 2,500 of these facilities have registered with the ResponsibleAg Certification Program. We encourage you to register your facilities today. For more information, go to:
www.responsibleag.org
|
|
AGRITRUST SEMINARS THIS MONTH
The always popular AgriTrust of Georgia Regional Seminars are now set for 2018. These are designed for educational purposes of the more than 700 GAC member companies enrolled in our self-insured workers comp program, but
all GAC members interested in this service can attend - just contact AgriTrust staff to see if space is available.
Created by the Georgia Agribusiness Council, AgriTrust of Georgia provides a stable, affordable source of workers’ compensation insurance to the agribusiness industry. We encourage you to consider this proven program for your workers’ compensation insurance needs. For more information about AgriTrust of Georgia and these upcoming seminars. visit www.agritrust.biz or contact Eddie Kinnard at 678-753-0016.
2018 AgriTrust Seminar Schedule
Wednesday, August 8 @ 12:00 noon:
Bulloch Fertilizer Company; Statesboro
Thursday, August 9 @ 12:00 noon:
Railroad Depot; Lyons
Wednesday, August 15 @ 12:00 noon:
Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter; Perry
Thursday, August 16 @ 12:00 noon:
United Community Bank; Dawsonville
Thursday, August 23 @ 12:00 noon:
State Farmers Market; Forest Park
Thursday, August 23 @ 6:00 p.m.:
Holiday Inn; Athens
|
|
GAC FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 4-H
|
|
We are pleased for GAC’s Maggie Wooten to attend the 4-H Congress Banquet. GAC sponsors the Egg Prep Contest, which was won by
Victoria Day of Houston County
. Also, congratulations to
Senator Jack Hill
on winning top honors with the 2018 Green Jacket Award for his support of 4-H.
Georgia 4-H provides amazing opportunities for students all across the state. Proud to have our GAC Foundation invest in their success!
|
|
* GAC was pleased to provide a legislative update during the
Georgia Plant Food Educational Society
Summer meeting. We congratulate GPFES President Jimmy Champion and the board on another very successful event. GPFES also honored a great friend to the agribusiness industry as they presented
Dr. Glen Harris
with the
Blair Davis Outstanding Service Award
. Glen is a UGA Professor and Extension Agronomist based out of Tifton. He is trusted and respected throughout the agriculture industry. We join GPFES in congratulating Dr. Harris on this outstanding recognition!
|
|
This year's
UGA Turfgrass Research Field Day
will be held on Aug 9, 2018. This is an excellent event for turfgrass professionals to learn the latest tools and processes for managing a wide range of turf issues. For more information on attendee registration
click here
.
|
|
*
AgGeorgia and AgSouth Farm Credit are hosting workshops
to educate attendees on all aspects of their operation, ranging from budgeting finances to risk management. The classes are all from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm with lunch provided and there is no charge to attend. The workshops are certified for FSA borrower credits as well.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 10 at the
Thornton Recreation Center in Rome, GA:
Register online
FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, at the
Blueberry Plantation Inn, Alma, GA:
Register online
|
|
* The
18th Annual ABAC Ag & Natural Resources Classic Golf Tournament
with be held on Friday, September 28, 2018. This golf tournament helps benefit students of the ABAC School of Agriculture and Natural Resources. For more information
click here
.
|
|
* The
Georgia Crop Production Alliance
will host their annual meeting on
November 8
at the Lake Blackshear Resort. This meeting is always filled with great production information by Extension specialists and industry professionals. Registration will begin soon. Go to
www.GCPAonline.com
for additional information.
|
|
*
The
64th UGA Ag Alumni Association Awards Banquet
will be held at the Tate Center in Athens, Georgia, on November 9, 2018. Registration will open later this summer.
President Jimmy Carter
was selected as the newest Hall of Fame inductee and is planning to attend to accept the award in person. Stay tuned for registration details.
|
|
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.
|
|
CELEBRATING OVER 50 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP TO GEORGIA'S STRONGEST INDUSTRY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
