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Volume 34, No. 1 | January 12, 2024
Published by the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Inc.
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WEEKLY BRIEF
With the dust barely settled from the Special Session that wrapped up in December, legislators have gaveled back in to complete our state's business during the 40-day legislative session. There are sure to be many major battles over the course of the next three months, but the first week was reserved for framing priorities from the Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker, and other leaders in both Chambers.
In this issue:
- Governor Kemp's State of the State Address
- Budget proposal released
- Agribusiness Council sponsors Rural Caucus meeting
- Harper, Carr, and Ag Committee leaders join fight against H-2A AEWR increases for Georgia farmers
- Updates from Washington
**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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STATE OF THE STATE: STRONG, GROWING, & PROSPEROUS | |
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Governor Brian Kemp addressed a full house of legislators, justices, family, friends, and distinguished guests on Thursday, January 11th, during the annual State of the State address. He characterized Georgia as “strong, growing, and prosperous” and thanked the people of Georgia for the honor to serve.
Governor Kemp spent most of his speech setting his agenda for the legislative session and announced his proposal for the largest state income tax cut in state history. Under his proposal, the max income tax rate would be lowered to 5.39%, saving the taxpayers of Georgia $3 billion over the next 10 years.
Education was a major topic for Kemp as he highlighted the importance of linking students with higher education institutions that prepare them for jobs in the industries that exist within in the state of Georgia and announced an increase in funding to support school technology needs and K-12 school security.
The Governor proposed a 4% pay increase for state employees as well as a $500 million contribution to the state retiree fund for educators. Additionally, he proposed state law enforcement officers receive a $6,000 pay increase.
Governor Kemp reiterated that his office and the state legislature will keep fighting to put Georgians first and looks forward to a successful and productive legislative session.
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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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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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Phone: 404/223-2300
or Click Here to make reservations
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Reserve rooms under "GAB" block rate ($199)
by January 10, 2024
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*Group transportation will be provided from the hotel to the breakfast
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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 January 15, 2024
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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. While most things the Governor includes in his proposal will ultimately make the final cut, this is the first step in the process as House and Senate appropriators will spend all of next week hearing from agency heads. The House has their chance to add to the budget before sending over to the Senate to put their finger prints on the spending. Both chambers must come to an agreement before session ends and Governor Kemp again gets the final say on the budget with the use of his red pen for line-item vetoes.
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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GAC was pleased to sponsor the opening meeting of the Rural Caucus on Wednesday. Legislators were welcomed back for the 2024 legislative session and thanked for their service and support of agriculture and other rural issues important to our members. We were pleased to have GAC board member Jaclyn Ford from Dixon Gin in attendance for the meeting.
Commissioner Tyler Haper also addressed the group about some of the exciting things happening within the Department and announced a gathering to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Georgia Department of Agriculture later in February.
The Rural Caucus is made up of a bipartisan group of legislators from both the House and Senate that represent districts outside of Georgia's major metro areas. The group meets every Wednesday throughout the session and is one of the most well attended recurring meetings for legislators and lobbyists.
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HARPER, CARR, AND AG COMMITTEE LEADERS JOIN FIGHT AGAINST H-2A AEWR INCREASES | |
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Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr recently joined the ranks of Georgia leaders to write to Secretaries Su and Vilsack of the U.S. Departments of Labor and Agriculture, respectively, regarding the impact of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) on Georgia’s farmers. These letters attempt to gain insight into how the labor surveys have been conducted and what data from producers has been gathered. On top of the immense negative impacts these wage increases will cause, another major concern has been the lack of transparency in the entire process.
Commissioner Tyler Harper and the House and Senate Agriculture Committees sent initial letters to oppose the increase in December. Commissioner Harper appealed to Georgia's Congressional delegation and declared that “as one of the leading agricultural states in the nation, the H-2A program plays an important role in the success of our agriculture industry, but the program is quickly reaching a breaking point where the cost of using the program significantly outweighs its benefits.”
In the official letter from GFVGA, it was noted that the increase in wage rates appears to be aimed at protecting a domestic ag workforce that does not exist and will result in pushing actual Georgia growers out of business. GFVGA has led the charge in fighting these detrimental federal mandates and has been engaging with various agencies and elected officials to explore all avenues for relief.
We sincerely thank these leaders for carrying on the fight and supporting Georgia’s #1 industry.
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MEMBER VISITS
We enjoy when we run in to our members at the Capitol, especially when that member is a former GAC employee.
We were excited to visit with the Madison County Chamber of Commerce and their president Anna Strickland. Anna directed GAC's events and membership activities for several years and has always been a part of the agribusiness family in Georgia.
If you are ever Under the Gold Dome, let us know. We'd love to see you and spend some time together.
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FAS announces MAP and FMD investments: On January 8, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) announced it would be awarding over $203 million through the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program for fiscal year 2024. This funding will go to roughly 70 agricultural organizations supporting agricultural export market expansion and development efforts. Of this total amount, FAS will provide $174.3 million to 68 nonprofit organizations and cooperatives through MAP and $27 million to 20 trade organizations through FMD.
USDA announces new staff appointments: On December 20, USDA announced key appointments to senior staff positions: Georgette Furukawa has been appointed Chief of Staff for the Agricultural Market Service; Jayme Holliday has been appointed Senior Advisor for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services; Sarah Dietch has been appointed Chief of Staff for Rural Development; Betsy Dirksen Londrigan has been appointed Administrator for the Rural Business Cooperative-Service; Kevin Shea has been named Senior Advisor in the Office of the Deputy Secretary; and Dr. Michael Watson has been named Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. In addition, USDA announced that Jimmy Dahman has been promoted from Acting Chief of Staff for Rural Development to Senior Advisor for Communications and External Engagement for Rural Development.
FSA opens ARC and PLC program enrollment: On December 18, USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that agricultural producers were able to enroll in the Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2024 crop year. Producers can elect coverage and enroll in crop-by-crop protection through ARC-County or PLC or in whole-farm protection through ARC-Individual. While election changes for 2024 are optional, producers must enroll through a signed contract each year. The deadline to apply or to make any election changes is March 15. If an application is not submitted by the deadline, a producer’s election remains the same as their 2023 election for commodities on the farm.
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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.
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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.
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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 1/11/2024
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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
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.
Samara Plantation LLC
Sconyers Gin & Warehouse Co.
Shealy Farms, Inc.
Southeastern Cotton Ginners Association, Inc.
Southern AGCOM Inc.
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 18 I TIFTON
Georgia Peanut Farm Show & Conference
Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with more than 100 agribusinesses and organizations in the peanut and agricultural industry. Farmers will be able to earn private and commercial pesticide applicator certification, as well as learn about cutting-edge research and developments during the University of Georgia Peanut Production Seminar and industry-wide sponsored Peanut Seed Seminar. The show is free and open to all farmers and industry representatives to attend.
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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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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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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 | | | | |
