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Volume 34, No. 2 | January 19, 2024
Published by the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Inc.
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WEEKLY BRIEF
Proceedings at the Capitol were much more relaxed this week as members of the joint Senate and House appropriations committees heard from agency leaders about what their budgetary requests are. The pace will pick back up on Monday as legislators are back in for a full schedule of committee meetings and floor sessions.
We hope you make plans to join us for our Annual Meeting Reception and State Legislative Breakfast on February 6 and 7. Details are provided further down in the email body. The hotel block at the Embassy Suites has sold out, but there are still a limited number of rooms available next door at the Omni. Be sure to book TODAY!
In this issue:
- Ag Commissioner presents budget requests.
- Full Budget Week Recap
- GAC Staff Presents to PSC Board
- Feral Hog task force announcement
- Congressional delegation and Commissioner Harper keep up the fight against the AEWR increase.
- Farm Bill Delayed...Again
**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.**
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COMMISSIONER HARPER ADDRESS APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE | |
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Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper addressed the Joint Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, January 16, regarding the Governor’s AFY24 and FY25 budget recommendations for the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Commissioner Harper began his remarks by reminding the committee of agriculture’s impact on “every Georgian, every day” and noting that 81% of the department’s funding comes from state dollars.
The Commissioner addressed a few major concerns, one of the main ones being the need for increased funds to implement the Electric Vehicle Charging Program that was passed last year. To implement this program, the department needs $7.5 million to cover expenses involved in the program, including salaries for ten inspectors. He reiterated the department’s appreciation for the salary supplement that will increase retention among GDA positions, including inspectors. An additional $1.7 million was requested to replace state vehicles the employees use, owing to liability concerns and high mileage.
Another top concern is the Feral Hog Task Force's request for $150,000 for a pilot program. This program aims to combat the crop depredation occurring throughout the state as a result of feral hogs. The Commissioner thanked the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the Conservation Districts for their help in promoting this program and said they hope to look at the issues with deer, as well.
The Agriculture Trust Fund contains various funds for communication needs at the department as well as $50 million for the Atlanta State Farmers Market. This includes renovations for the building and the ability to support, promote, and market Georgia Grown producers at the farmers’ market.
He mentioned the need for equipment improvements in the department’s Tifton lab and continued funding for the Farmland Conservation Program, Hemp Program, and Emergency Response Fund. The Commissioner highlighted the services those programs provided, including eradicating the invasive yellow-legged hornet and supporting those who lost their peach crop in the freeze, and emphasized the need for continued financial support.
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SHORT ON TIME? LISTEN IN TO OUR 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.
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REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS NEXT WEEK!
REGISTER BY JAN. 25, 2024
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Join Us for the Georgia Agribusiness Council’s
2024 Annual Meeting Reception
and State Legislative Breakfast
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GAC Annual Meeting Reception
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Embassy Suites Centennial Olympic Park
Atlanta, Georgia
5:00 p.m. - Reception
Annual Meeting to follow reception
GAC State Legislative Breakfast
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
7:15 a.m. - Doors 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.
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Headquarter Hotel:
Embassy Suites Atlanta at
Centennial Olympic Park
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SOLD OUT!
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Secondary Hotel:
Omni Atlanta Hotel at
CNN Center
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Phone: 1-800-THE-OMNI
or Click Here to make reservations
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Reserve rooms under "GAC room block" ($229)
by RESERVATION DEADLINE EXtENDED - BOOK TODAY!
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*NO transportation will be provided to the breakfast from this hotel
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Reserve tickets to all events by January 25, 2024 | |
GOVERNOR'S BUDGET PROPOSAL HIGHLIGHTS | |
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Governor Kemp released his budget proposal for the amended FY 2024 budget and the big FY 2025 budget last week.
Here are a few of the initial budget highlights impacting Agribusiness included in the Governor’s proposal:
Department of Agriculture
- $50,000,000 for renovations at the Atlanta Farmers Market.
- $3,315,000 for equipment and vehicles to implement the Georgia Electric Vehicle Charging Program.
- $4,470,500 to support the planning phase for the renovation of the Department of Agriculture building.
- $4,014,674 for renovations and equipment at the state agriculture laboratory in Tifton.
- $1,058,400 for ten inspector positions to implement the Georgia Electric Vehicle Charging Program.
- $1,200,583 to provide a targeted salary increase for the Consumer Protection program.
- $150,000 to provide funds for the Feral Hog Task Force, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority
- $21,540,000 for construction of a new goat, sheep, and swine barn at the Georgia National Fairgrounds.
Georgia Environmental Finance Authority
- $250,000,000 for the Georgia Fund to support water and wastewater infrastructure development across the state through low interest loans to local communities.
OneGeorgia Authority
- $100,000,000 to support rural economic development projects and expand grant opportunities for rural site development.
- $50,000,000 for the Rural Workforce Housing Program to provide further grant opportunities to address workforce housing needs in rural communities.
State Forestry Commission
- $621,000 for the transition to containerized seedlings to enhance seedling offerings and generate additional revenue.
- $3,499,877 for the purchase of new equipment and environmental cab tractors for firefighting.
Department of Natural Resources
- $350,617 for five additional positions to address permitting backlog for agricultural water withdrawal permits.
- $577,118 for six additional game warden positions.
- $14,341,093 for renovations at Lake Blackshear Resort.
- $15,000,000 for land acquisition in Dawson – Paulding Forest.
Department of Transportation
- $659,000,000 to expedite the DOT existing project pipeline.
- $200,000,000 for local maintenance and improvement grants.
- $641,000,000 for infrastructure projects that enhance economic development while promoting freight and logistics efficiency and safety.
- $2,330,780 for the Department of Transportation’s Rail Program.
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JOINT APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE MEETING HIGHLIGHTS | |
Governor Brian Kemp opened the hearings on Tuesday, January 16, speaking about numerous budget proposals. He has been a proponent of returning tax dollars to the people of Georgia through tax refunds, suspension of gas taxes, and property tax reliefs. As he mentioned in the State of the State, he has proposed the state income tax rate be lowered to 5.39%, saving the taxpayer billions. Some other proposals include $1.5 billion for the Department of Transportation to provide a safe, efficient, and reliable transportation network throughout the state, $56 million for the Rural Workforce Housing site development, and $200 million for economic development grants.
The committee heard from University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue and Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier in regard to their goals to provide skills, experiences, and education that industries lack. They both have traveled the state, meeting with various industry leaders to ensure they provide their students with the skills they need to be successful.
Georgia Forestry Commission Director Tim Lowrimore spoke on the services the commission provided this past year, including firefighters servicing 2,500 wildfires that burned 11,000 acres and foresters providing forest health and management advice to owners of over 550,000 acres. He addressed the need for modern communication platforms, funds to recapitalize nursery operations, and new tractors with closed cabs to protect employees.
The committee heard from Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in regard to professional licensing. The Secretary requested $3.275 million for a new modern corporation filing software.
Public Service Commission Chairman Jason Shaw discussed the opening of the third nuclear power unit at Plant Vogtle, which is providing an estimated 500,000 Georgia homes and businesses with carbon-free electricity. He announced that a fourth unit will be open by the end of this quarter.
Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Christopher Nunn spoke on the request for $275 million for water and sewer infrastructure throughout the state, and he mentioned the Rural Workforce Housing program awards will yield at least 818 homes in six rural regions.
Department of Driver Services Commissioner Spencer Moore announced the department is looking to open additional CDL testing centers to address the need for CDL tests.
Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Walter Rabon spoke to the committee in regard to various funding requests related to training, wildlife management, and state parks. His requests include $46,000 to train employees in the wildlife resources division, $517,000 to hire six new game wardens, $19 million for renovations and improvements at state parks, and various funds for deer management and upkeep of fish hatcheries. Commissioner Rabon also spoke on the department’s plans for providing flood and fire mitigation on Sapelo Island and environmental hazard mitigation on Ossabaw Island.
Environmental Protection Division Director Jeff Cown shared brief remarks to the committee, mainly pertaining to necessary funding for various positions within the division. The EPD requested $10,000 for an increase in law enforcement salary and $350,000 for five new positions at their Tifton location to help with agriculture water withdrawal management activities through the state. The positions will allow for better data management, help reduce permitting and compliance backlog, and improve customer service.
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GAC's director of government affairs, Jake Tench, presented to members of the Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tuesday morning. Tench spoke on the importance to reliable energy sources for agricutlure across the state and noted that agribusinesses depend on this energy to keep Georgians fed when disaster strikes. The PSC in considering future energy needs for the state and making decisions on what type of energy fits those goals in the future.
The Georgia Public Service Commission has exclusive power to decide what are fair and reasonable rates for services under its jurisdiction. It must balance Georgia citizens' need for reliable services and reasonable rates with the need for utilities to earn a reasonable return on investment. The Commission protects consumers' interests while abiding by legal standards in setting rates. All matters scheduled for public hearing are heard by the Commissioners or in special cases, by an appointed hearing officer in open session.
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GEORGIA FERAL HOG TASK FORCE ANNOUNCES PILOT TRAP RENTAL PROGRAM IN MIDDLE-SOUTH GA | |
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Atlanta, Ga – The Georgia Feral Hog Task Force, a multi-agency collaboration between the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD), and the University of Georgia, announced a new trap rental pilot program will be rolled out at a workshop in Tifton on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. The workshop is open to anyone in the Middle South Georgia Soil & Water Conservation District impacted by feral hogs and interested in renting a PigBrig trap. Attendance at the workshop is required to participate in the trap rental program. The workshop is limited to 35 participants. Additional details below:
Registration Link: https://www.gacd.us/events
Additional Info: If you have questions or need additional information please contact the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts at info@gacd.us, (833) 411-4223, or online at www.gacd.us.
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Friday, January 26, 2024
University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center
15 RDC Road, Tifton, Georgia 31793
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MEMBERS OF GEORGIA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION AND COMMISSIONER HARPER CONTINUE TO FIGHT AGAINST AEWR INCREASES | |
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Congressmen Austin Scott, Rick Allen, Barry Loudermilk, Andrew Clyde, and others penned a letter last week urging Congressional appropriations chairmen to use their power during the next round of funding fights to help freeze H-2A labor rates at their current levels. The full letter is provided here.
Commissioner Harper was included in a recent article in the AJC highlighting the detrimental effects these increases will have on Georgia farmers and our rural economy. In a statement to the AJC, Harper said that “H-2A workers are largely insulated from the impact of inflation,” rendering a wage increase unnecessary. Housing is included in H-2A workers’ salaries. Transportation costs from workers’ home countries — as well as between workers’ housing and farm. To read that article, CLICK HERE.
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SHUTDOWN SHOWDOWN RISKS FARM BILL, AGAIN | |
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Congress will vote this week on a third continuing resolution to keep the government funded through March, potentially derailing Rep. G.T. Thompson’s (R-Pa.) optimistic plans to move the House version of the farm bill that same month. (UPDATE: BOTH CHAMBERS PASSED A CR LAST NIGHT TO KEEP THE GOVERNMENT FUNDED TEMPORARILY)
Last week, Thompson told reporters that he was still planning to move the more than $1 trillion agriculture and food bill in March when there are three consecutive weeks of session. But he told MA that “these funding bills always can be an issue for other good legislation,” when asked about a CR ending in March.
Some GOP lawmakers are starting to privately expect that a farm bill won’t move until after the November elections if it does at all this Congress. A lame duck farm bill, however, is a heavy lift.
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HOUSE & SENATE COMMITTEES LOOK TO RESTORE EBITDA STANDARD | |
The Chairs of the House Ways & Means and Senate Finance Committees announced a bipartisan tax deal Tuesday that would restore the EBITDA standard for interest deductibility retroactively to 2022 and prospectively through 2025. The legislation, called the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, would also restore domestic R&D expensing and full expensing for capital equipment purchases. | |
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SB 349 – Senators Hufstetler, Albers, Esteves, Echols, and Anavitarte
A bill to revise provisions related to the setting of millage rates, provide for a statewide homestead exemption from ad valorem taxes in an amount equal to the amount by which the current year assessed value of a homestead is more than 3 percent from the adjusted base year value, and others.
Status – Referred to the committee on Finance on 1/11/2024.
SB 352 – Senators Anderson, Albers, Robertson, Williams, and Payne
A bill to provide standards for the alteration and operation of motor vehicles with modified suspension systems.
Status – referred to the committee on Public Safety on 1/12/24.
SB 353 – Senators Dolezal and Dixon
A bill to amend weight and dimension requirements for modular unit transporters.
Status – referred to the committee on Transportation on 1/12/24.
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HB 449 – Reps. Knight, Corbett, Rhodes, Cannon, and Pirkle
The bill would do away with an exemption provided in the Conservation Use Value Assessment (CUVA) program that allows for the installation of solar panels on land in a CUVA covenant if that portion of the land is removed from the covenant and the penalty is paid.
Status - Passed House Ways and Means Committee 3/3/23.
HB 452 – Reps. Pirkle, Jasperse, Meeks, Rhodes, Knight
A bill to prohibit the foreign ownership of agricultural land by any non-resident alien, government, or business from a country considered to be foreign adversary as determined by the US Secretary of Commerce. It would also restrict ownership by those individuals, governments, and businesses of any land that is within a 25-mile radius of a military facility.
Status - Passed House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 2/28/23.
HB 848 – Reps. Taylor, Lumsden, Collins, Hitchens, and Dunahoo
A bill to authorize the enforcement of excess vehicle weight violations through an automated vehicle weight detection system.
Status - Referred to the committee on Motor Vehicles on 1/8/24.
HB 880 – Reps. Ballard, Bonner, Burchett, Blackmon, Prince & Sainz
A bill to allow transitioning military spouses to use an existing license in good standing from another state to obtain employment in the State of Georgia.
Status - Referred to the committee on Regulated Industries on 1/10/24.
HB 893 – Rep. Thomas
A bill to provide exemptions from ad valorem taxes for homesteads used for agricultural purposes, subject to certain circumstances.
Status - Referred to the committee on Ways and Means on 1/10/24.
HB 904 – Reps. Vance, Jackson, Campbell, Mainor, and Washburn
A bill to change certain provisions relating to electrical contractors, plumbers, conditioned air contractors, low voltage contractors, and utility contractors.
Status – Referred to the committee on Regulated Industries on 1/11/24.
HB 905 – Reps. Reeves, Roberts, Leverett, LaHood, and Washburn
A bill to repeal provisions authorizing administrative officers to exercise zoning powers.
Status – Referred to the committee on Governmental Affairs on 1/11/24.
HB 908 – Reps. Ridley, J., Ridley, J., Jasperse, Fleming, and Persinger
A bill to require food service establishments to disclose if food products contain cell-cultured meat and/or plant-based meat alternatives.
Status – Referred to the committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs on 1/11/24.
HB 912 – Reps. Anderson, Rhodes, Burchett, Smith, and Williams
A bill to revise the definition of “multipurpose off-highway vehicle” and amend regulations relating to ad valorem taxes on motor vehicles.
Status – Referred to the committee on Ways and Means on 1/11/24.
HB 922 – Reps. Vances, Tarvin, Lunsden, Collins, and Hitchens
A bill to constitute the entrance upon another’s property without consent of the owner as an offense of criminal trespass.
Status – referred to the committee on Judiciary Non-Civil on 1/12/24.
HB 926 – Reps. Reeves, Mainor, Greene, Hilton, and Vance
A bill to authorize individuals to obtain a certificate of good standing and use as evidence of good moral character for employment, housing, and occupational licensing.
Status – referred to the committee on Judiciary Non-Civil on 1/12/24.
HB 927 – Reps. Hagan, Efstration, Anderson, Cannon, and Sainz
A bill to authorize fluorescent pink hunting outer garments.
Status – referred to the committee on Game, Fish, and Parks on 1/12/24.
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STAR SPONSOR TIME
The 2024 GAC Star Sponsor program registration is now underway, and it's off to a good start. This program assists 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 and are included with the weekly legislative reports throughout each session of the Georgia General Assembly and more.
Click here for 2024 Star Sponsor registration information, email Jill Hansard, or call the GAC office at 706-336-6830. Thank you!
*Star Sponsors listed below are as of 1/18/2024
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Georgia FFA Association
Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center
Georgia Grown Citrus @ JoNina Farm
Georgia Peach Council
Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Inc.
Georgia Seed Association Inc.
Georgia Watermelon Association
Green Fern Enterprises, LLC
Greene County Fertilizer Co.
Hat Creek Peanut Co. Inc.
Hazel Creek Cider, Inc.
JKB Farm Services LLC
Lenox Peanut Company
L. R. Land & Cattle Company, Inc.
Lyle Farms, LLC
Majors Electric & Mechanical Company, Inc.
National Peanut Buying Points Association
Northeast Georgia Livestock, LLC
Omega Farms of GA
Patrick Farms
Peebles Timber, Inc. / Longleaf LLC / Peebles Land LLLP
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Pike Creek Turf, Inc.
Quality Gin, Inc.
RAJ Farms Inc.
Samara Plantation LLC
Sconyers Gin & Warehouse Co.
Shealy Farms, Inc.
Southeastern Cotton Ginners Association, Inc.
Southern AGCOM Inc.
Southern Crop Production Association
Southern Seed Co., Inc. & Hinson Family Ptrship.
Southern Specialty Equipment, Inc
Southern Livestock
Stanley Farms
The Dairy Alliance, Inc.
Three Brothers Trucking, LLC
Tri Scapes, Inc.
University of Georgia Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication
Wallace Farm and Pet Supply, Inc.
Walter J. Turner Farms
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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.
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January 26 I TIFTON
2024 Georgia Ag Forecast
Strategic insights delivered to you from our researchers. The annual seminar shares the latest research and information from UGA faculty to help farmers and agribusinesses in Georgia's No. 1 industry. The 2024 Ag Forecast will be held on Jan. 26 in Tifton, GA. For more information, click here.
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January 31 I ATLANTA
When constituents talk, the Georgia Legislature listens. You are encouraged to represent your Conservation District at GACD’s annual 2024 CONSERVATION DISTRICT DAY at the CAPITOL and help deliver our message to elected officials.
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February 5-6 I ATLANTA
Forestry Day at the Capitol
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!
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February 6-7 I ATLANTA
GAC Annual Meeting & Legislative Breakfast
The annual meeting is a more personal gathering of members where we present the current events pertaining to ag, and more specifically, how we are addressing those issues. This reception is an opportunity for members to connect with other members, become educated on the issues, and to see how they can get more involved.
The annual Legislative Breakfast is a chance for members to "meet and greet" with their state legislators and get an update on the issues impacting the state in regards to agriculture and other ag-related issues. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, House Speaker, Agriculture Commissioner and a host of other elected state leaders have all been past speakers.
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April 4 I ATHENS
Flavor of Georgia
Contestant registration is open for the 2024 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest. Join us on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the Classic Center in Athens, Ga. Contestant registration will close on February 13, 2024. Register Here.
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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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CELEBRATING 57 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP TO GEORGIA'S STRONGEST INDUSTRY | | | | |
