Weekly Newsletter for Georgia Agribusiness Council Members

Volume 33, No. 1 Published by the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Inc. January 13, 2023

On Monday while the University of Georgia was preparing to win their second CFP National Championship in 2 years, the Georgia General Assembly convened to begin the 2023 legislative session. While it seems like no time has passed since the last day under the Gold Dome, a lot has changed in a few short months.

Monday marked the beginning of the two year biennial session, it also made evident all of the changes that occurred in 2022 pertaining to Georgia Politics. With Governor Brian Kemp going into his second term, Jon Burns becoming the new Speaker of the House, and Burt Jones winning the election for Lieutenant Governor, and Tyler Harper being sworn in as the new Commissioner of Agriculture, it is clear that the political landscape has a new appearance.

GAC is grateful for all of the legislators and elected officials that have been allies throughout the years, but we are also hopeful and excited to work with those in new positions. We look forward to working hard on impactful legislation that will further Georgia Agribusiness.

**Inside Agriculture is a newsletter and member benefit for GAC members that highlights the action Under the Gold Dome each week throughout the legislative session. The updates are meant to keep GAC members informed, connected, and engaged in the legislative process. Please share with other leaders within your business that may find these updates helpful.**

WEEKLY AUDIO SNAPSHOT OF THE SESSION WITH SOUTHEAST AGNET

We are excited to extend our partnership with Southeast AgNet as they help spread the word on what is happening under the Gold Dome. This is a great tool to get a quick snapshot of the week's activities throughout the session. For a recap of the session, Click Here.

Georgia Agribusiness Council’s

2023 Annual Meeting

and State Legislative Breakfast

GAC Membership Supper & Annual Meeting

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Georgia Aquarium • Atlanta, Georgia

5:30 p.m. - Reception & Aquarium Access

6:30 p.m. - Dinner

Keynote Speaker - Retired U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss

GAC State Legislative Breakfast

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

7:15 a.m. - Breakfast Lines Open

7:45 a.m. - Program Begins

Georgia Railroad Depot • Atlanta, Georgia

The Council looks forward to welcoming state-wide Constitutional Officers, Members of the Georgia General Assembly, and leaders from every corner of state government to the GAC State Legislative Breakfast.

Headquarter Hotel:

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center - 404/659-0000

CLICK HERE to make reservations

Reserve rooms under GAC block rate ($219)

by January 18, 2023

*Group transportation will be provided from the hotel to the breakfast

Reserve tickets to all events by January 23, 2023

AG COMMISSIONER TYLER HARPER SWORN INTO OFFICE

On Thursday, many people from around the state gathered to watch as Brian P. Kemp took the oath to begin his second term as the 83rd Governor of Georgia. He also oversaw the oaths of the other Constitutional Officers to officially escort in the new wave of leadership within our state government. Tyler Harper officially took the reins at the Department of Agriculture and gets to work on leading one of the State's largest and most important agencies. We look forward to continuing to work with Commissioner Harper and wish him much success in this new role.

Those that were sworn into office include, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Attorney General Chris Carr, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Insurance Commissioner John King, Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson, and State School Superintendent Richard Woods.

Governor Kemp also took the opportunity in his inaugural address to outline his agenda and budget priorities for the upcoming term. Within this address he made a point to include his budget proposal that gives teachers and state employees a $2,000 pay increase. It also includes another $1 Billion to be given back to the tax payers as a result of record high surpluses. This is part of a new message to spend the money on Georgia Citizens rather than new government programs and to maintain and double down on the promises made from his first term.

NEW LEALDERSHIP IN THE CHAMBERS

While most of the focus has been and will be on the statewide officials, there is also new rank and file within both the House and the Senate. GAC believes to be in a good spot moving forward as we continue to grow the already established relationships.

Perhaps one of the most impactful changes is that Russ Goodman became the new Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman. As a 7th generation South Georgia farmer, Russ has been a longtime advocate for agriculture issues and a great friend to the Georgia Agribusiness Council.

The previous Chairman, Larry Walker, who was a huge advocate and champion for GAC priorities, has become the Insurance Committee Chairman. While we will miss Chairman Walker, we have a great relationship with Senator Goodman and look forward to working with him moving forward.

Here is a look at the new leadership in both chambers:

Senate

Senate President Pro Tem - John F. Kennedy

Majority Leader - Steve Gooch

Majority Whip - Randy Robertson

Majority Caucus Chair - Jason Anavitarte

Majority Caucus Vice Chair - Matt Brass

House

Speaker Pro Tem - Jan Jones

House Majority Leader - Chuck Efstration

House Majority Whip - James Burchett

House Majority Caucus Chair - Bruce Williamson

House Majority Caucus Vice Chair - Houston Gaines

House Majority Caucus Secretary - Ginny Erhart

STAR SPONSOR TIME

The 2023 GAC Star Sponsor program registration is now underway and its off to a good start. This program helps with events during the legislative session along with building support for a variety of projects and initiatives that cannot take place without the added participation. Star Sponsors are reflected in each of our newsletters, as posted on this page, along with the weekly legislative reports throughout each session of the Georgia General Assembly, monthly newsletters, and more. Click here for 2023 Star Sponsor registration information and email Jill Hansard or call the GAC office at 706-336-6830. Thank you!

HELP FIGHT FOR GEORGIA AGRICULTURE: SUPPORT THE GA AgPAC TODAY

In a policy environment that is rapidly changing, supporting state political leaders that understand and support Agribusiness has never been more important than it is today.

The Georgia Agribusiness Council was created for the purpose of advocating for agricultural interests in the legislative and regulatory arenas. This lofty initiative continues to get harder and harder each election cycle. In our efforts to advance these activities, the Council formed the Georgia AgPAC several years ago that utilizes member's donations to:

* Financially support the campaigns of political candidates who are supportive of agriculture;

* Educating elected officials and key decision makers on issues important to agribusiness;

* Advocacy of issues that advance our industry and rural communities

We ask for your financial support so that we can continue to fight on behalf of Georgia agribusiness interests. Campaign contributions from Georgia AgPAC is restricted to non-federal candidates in 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.

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

January

2023

Georgia Dairy Conference

January 16-18 I Savannah

2023 Ag Forecast will be held on Jan. 27 in Tifton, Georgia! The annual seminar shares the latest research and information from UGA faculty to help farmers and agribusinesses in Georgia's No. 1 industry. Click the logo above for more information.

February

2023 Forestry Day at the Capitol

February 6-7, 2023

Atlanta, Georgia

Join fellow Georgia Forestry Association members under the Gold Dome in Atlanta for the most important forestry advocacy event of the year. Attendees gain valuable access to political experts and legislative leaders across the state while supporting GFA’s policy priorities. Sponsorship and hotel information is available now! For More Information Click Here

Save the Date

February 14^thGFB Day at the Capital

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

AgSouth Farm Credit

Bagwell Insurance Group, Inc.

Georgia Electric Membership Corporation

Georgia Power Co.

Osage Farms Inc.

Premium Peanut

Southwest Georgia Farm Credit

Brooksco Dairy LLC

Carroll EMC

Color Burst

DeWitt Produce Co. Inc.

Fort Valley State University

Georgia Cotton Commission

Georgia Crop Production Alliance

GA Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association

Georgia Green Industry Association

Georgia Peanut Commission

Georgia Young Farmers Association

Green Fern Enterprises, LLC

Greg Sikes Farm, LLC

Hillside Orchard Farms, Inc.

J & B Irrigation Inc.

Kelley Manufacturing Co.

Leatherbrook Holsteins LLC

Mixon Seed Services Inc.

Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition

The Turfgrass Group, Inc.

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association

USA Poultry & Egg Export Council

WDairy LLC

Woodruff & Howe Environmental Engineering, Inc.

Agri-Business Technologies, Inc.

American Peanut Shellers Association

Barrington Dairy, LLC

Boston Gin Co.

Broken Antler Farms

C.M. Tanner Grocery Co. Inc.

Calhoun Stockyard Hwy. 53 Inc.

Centurion Poultry Inc.

Circle C Farms Inc.

Coley Gin & Fertilizer

Cotton Partners LLC

Curry Farm Supply Inc.

Easterlin Pecan Company

EGA, Inc.

Emanuel Peanut & Grain LLC

Embry Farm Service

Feeding Georgia

Food Safety Net Services

Funston Gin Co. Inc.

GA Assoc. of Conservation Districts

GA Assoc. of County Agricultural Agents

GA Assoc. of Professional Ag Consultants

Georgia Cattlemen's Association

Georgia Christmas Tree Association

Georgia Crop Improvement Assoc.

Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service, Inc.

Georgia FFA Association

Georgia Milk Producers Inc.

Georgia Peach Council

Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Inc.

Georgia Pork Producers Association

Georgia Poultry Federation

Georgia Seed Association Inc.

Georgia Vocational Ag Teacher Association

Georgia Watermelon Association

Georgia Women in Agriculture Association Inc.

Israel Farm Supply, Inc.

L. R. Land & Cattle Company, Inc.

Lenox Peanut Company

Majors Electric & Mechanical Company, Inc.

Moultrie Colquitt County Development Authority

National Peanut Buying Points Assn.

Northeast Georgia Livestock

Oglethorpe Power Corporation

P.G.C. Farms

Pike Creek Turf, Inc.

Quality Gin, Inc.

Red Clay Ranch Equine Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc

Samara Plantation, LLC

Shealy Farms, Inc.

South GA Ag & Fertilizer

Southeastern Cotton Ginners Association

Southern Crop Production Association

Southern Seed Company, Inc.

Southern Specialty Equipment

Sweet Corn Co-Op

The Satsuma Company, LLC

Three Brothers Trucking, LLC

Vidalia Onion Business Council

Special thanks to all of our Star Sponsors. Please call our office at 706-336-6830 for details. Thank you!

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

CELEBRATING 57 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP TO GEORGIA'S STRONGEST INDUSTRY