Volume 34, No. 4 | February 2, 2024

Published by the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Inc. 

WEEKLY BRIEF

This week, we find ourselves mourning the loss of long-time legislator and House Rules Chairman Richard Smith. Early Monday morning, the news was shared that Chairman Smith passed away after a severe case of the flu. This had the Capitol focusing on more important matters than legislation for a lot of the week.

After spending time reflecting on the loss of a friend and colleague, the General Assembly carried on their work and passed some milestone legislation in the clarification and definition of antisemitism and continued their work on hot-button issues such as obscene materials in schools and sports gambling. Many of the legislative priorities are still developing for legislators and advocacy groups while language is being tweaked and committees are holding hearings.

In this issue:

• We sit down for an interview with Commissioner Tyler Harper
• Conservation Day at the Capitol
• Senate Committee Hears Temporary Vet Licensing Bill
• House and Senate Committee Work Highlights
• EPD Announces Water Permitting Modification
• Remembering Chairman Richard Smith
• News From Washington, D.C.

**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.**

In this week's Inside Agriculture update video, we sit down with Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper. Listen in!

UGA ECONOMIST GIVES AG UPDATE

The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs met Monday afternoon to hear economic and legislative outlooks in the agricultural sector.

Mary Atkins, Legal and Policy Analyst in the Georgia Senate Office of Policy and Legislative Analysis, gave a brief presentation on the areas over which the committee has jurisdiction, including agricultural land use, pesticides, commodities, and consumer protection. The 2022 Census of Agriculture will come out on February 13 and will provide in-depth insights into the federal, state, and county agriculture conditions. The information will be helpful to legislators, producers, and economists at every level, allowing them to monitor and analyze the trends in prices, production, and consumption.

Dr. Ben Campbell, Associate Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Georgia, presented the economic outlook of agriculture in the state. He noted that the Farm Gate Value, which is the market value of goods produced, is $18.3 billion, while the economic footprint of agriculture in Georgia is $84 billion, according to the newly released Ag Snapshots from UGA. The economic footprint includes supporting industries such as transportation, labor, and real estate. Dr. Campbell then moved towards a commodity-focused update, mentioning that the broiler production outlook is positive, cotton and oilseed production is stable but positive long-term, and fruits, vegetables, and greenhouse/nursery production are facing issues that pose long-term challenges.

On the financial side, Dr. Campbell stressed the hardships farmers are facing as a result of negative net farm income. Farmers have a harder time securing loans when their profitability is extremely low or negative, and the rise in input prices is only making it worse. Seed, insurance, land rent, labor, and equipment prices are rising steadily, with no signs of a decrease any time soon. 

GACD HOLDS CONSERVATION DAY AT THE CAPITOL

GACD District Directors and others were at the Capitol on Wednesday to speak with legislators and state leaders during an action-packed Conservation Day. The group heard from House and Senate leaders from the Natural Resources Committee as well as the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee. Thank you to House Chairmen Clay Pirkle, Robert Dickey, and Lynn Smith, as well as Senate Chairmen Russ Goodman and Lee Anderson for speaking to the group. We also had Director of Field Services Dominic Lariccia from Commissioner Harper's Office and Georgia Soil and Water Director Mitch Attaway present to the crowd about their role in Georgia conservation efforts.

GACD sponsored the Rural Caucus Lunch with Georgia Farm Bureau. They had the opportunity to address a packed room of legislators to provide an update on conservation efforts as well as the need for their FY 2025 appropriations request.

AG BUILDING PERMITS AND FAKE MEAT BILLS HEARD IN HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

The House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee met early Wednesday morning to discuss multiple bills and one resolution - hearing only. Rep. James Burchett presented HB 981, a bill that would cap building permit fees at $500.00 for agricultural structures. Rep. Burchett explained that, currently, the fees vary from county to county, so the purpose of the bill is to provide uniformity throughout the state. The counties would still possess some decision-making power, but the bill limits such a large range of fees.

Reps. Jordan Ridley and Jason Ridley presented HB 908, a bill requiring food service establishments to disclose if their food products contain lab-grown (cell-cultured) or plant-based alternatives. The bill aims to provide clarity for the consumer as to what is being served at food establishments and to protect the poultry, seafood, beef, and pork industries. No action was taken on either bill.

GAC SERVES ON AG FORECAST PANEL

GAC's Will Bentley was honored to serve on a panel regarding the ag economy and issues our industry faces during the 2024 Ag Forecast held in Tifton, GA. Bentley was joined on the panel by Congressman Austin Scott, Jody Redding, Director of Field Services for the Governor, Karla Thompson, VP of J.E.T. Farms, and moderated by CAES Dean Nick Place.

The UGA-sponsored event is held every year to give producers and industry leaders an opportunity to hear the latest in ag research and economic outlooks for the industry.

COMMITTEE WORK HIGHLIGHTS

SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE

In a hearing-only meeting of SB 364, Senator John Albers presented the “Property Tax Relief Act of 2024.” Senator Albers explained the bill section by section, emphasizing two main points.

• The bill's first point is that assessment increases are capped at 3%. An important note made by the committee is the assessed values can increase to account for some added expenditures if needed, but no more than 3%.
• The other is the assessed values will be reset to the lowest assessed value from either 2020, 2021, or 2022.

Other committee members raised concerns about the impact of lower homestead taxes on commercial and agricultural land, wondering if the latter two would experience a spike in taxes. Because it was hearing-only, Senator Albers appreciated the concern and looks forward to working to bring the best bill to the committee that addresses all issues.

HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE

Rep. Victor Anderson presented HB 912 to the full Ways and Means Committee on Thursday. HB 912 exempts off-highway vehicles from ad valorem property taxes each year, citing the fact that sales tax is already paid when the vehicle is purchased. The committee passed the bill unanimously.

Then, Rep. Matt Reeves presented HB 1019, a bill that would raise the statewide homestead exemption from $2,000 to $4,000. Many counties already provide exemptions above the state minimum, and Rep. Reeves would like to see the higher exemption amounts consistent throughout the state. Having already heard the bill in two subcommittees, the full committee passed the bill unanimously.

HOUSE REGULATED INDUSTRIES REGULATORY SUBCOMMITTEE

HB 880, a bill that would allow transitioning military spouses to use out-of-state professional licenses to obtain employment in Georgia, was presented by Rep. Bethany Ballard on Thursday afternoon. The bill did bring up some concern among subcommittee members, citing the out-of-state spouses jumping in front of the Georgians trying to obtain licenses. No action was taken on the bill.

HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

House Natural Resources and Environmental Committee met Thursday morning to hear HB 53, a bill that attempts to move the State Board of Registration for Foresters to an independent state agency under the State Forestry Commission. The committee passed the bill unanimously.

Thank you to our GAC members who will be in attendance for the 2024 Annual Meeting Reception

and State Legislative Breakfast

GAC Annual Meeting Reception

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Embassy Suites Centennial Olympic Park 

Atlanta, Georgia

Reception 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Annual Meeting to follow reception.

(REMINDER THAT THIS YEAR'S ANNUAL MEEETING IS A RECEPTION FORMAT WITH HEAVY HORS D'OEUVRES)

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.

COMMISSIONER HARPER HOSTS COOKOUT FOR LEGISLATORS

It's not all work all the time in Atlanta. Commissioner Harper hosted his second annual Low Country Boil for legislators at the Department of Ag. This fun event allows legislators and other leaders to visit with Department of Ag staff and advocacy groups in a relaxed setting outside of the hustle and bustle Under the Gold Dome.

EPD ANNOUNCES PARTIAL LIFT TO WATER PERMITTING MORATORIUM IN SW GEORGIA

On Wednesday, January 31, the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources announced a modification to the 2012 water permitting suspension in Southwest Georgia. The modification aims to allow new and modified surface water withdrawal permits in the Suwannee and Ochlockonee portions of the suspension area. This moratorium has been a focus of GAC, other ag groups, concerned citizens, and legislators from the area for quite a few years. While many meetings and conversations have been on the suspension, the first breakthrough came in 2023 in the form of a limited modification for frost protection permitting in the suspension area. Although this was a huge step forward for many producers who have been plagued by late freezes on crops over the past few years, GAC and the other stakeholders continued conversations in hopes of a larger lift in the suspension. 

Over the past few weeks, GAC and others have been meeting with EPD about their plans for future modifications in regard to water permitting for agricultural use in the affected areas. In those meetings, stakeholders highlighted the importance of water for agricultural products and the need for more usage permits. Leaders at the EPD spoke of the work they have put in with the metering program and the progress made in regional water plans and habitat conservation planning.

We applaud the EPD for their work and commitment on this issue and look forward to working with all stakeholders and agency representatives in advancing the efficiency and accessibility for agricultural water use. 

The Official Press Release can be seen here: EPD Press Release

SENATE REGULATED INDUSTRIES COMMITTEE HEARS OUT OF STATE VET LICENSING BILL

The Senate Committee on Regulated Industries met Tuesday to hear SB 410, a bill that grants one-time, six-month licenses to out-of-state licensed veterinarians. Senator Kay Kirkpatrick presented the bill and explained that the lack of veterinarians in rural areas and the overpopulation and subsequent euthanasia of animals constitute a need for more licensed vets, even if out-of-state or traveling vets. The drive behind this bill was concern from nonprofits and government entities that provide spaying and neutering services. SB 410 would give the veterinarian board the power to adopt rules and regulations as to the implementation of this process, and only veterinarians in good standing in their state would qualify for the license. The committee passed the bill unanimously.

REMEMBERING HOUSE RULES CHAIRMAN,

RICHARD SMITH

The entire Capitol and many around the state were deeply saddened on Monday morning by the news of House Rules Chairman Richard Smith’s passing. Chairman Smith was 78 years old and was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in November 2004. While his service to the state cannot be overstated, many will remember his kindness, integrity, and loving nature above all else. 

Chairman Smith represented Muscogee and Harris Counties with the utmost dignity and was a figure that no one spoke of negatively. While the Georgia General Assembly will obviously suffer a huge loss, the state of Georgia as a whole can thank Chairman Smith for the positive impact that he had on policy and people. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chairman Smith’s family and friends during this trying time.

USDA ANNOUNCES INVESTMENTS IN SPECIALTY CROPS

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative to help support market development for specialty crops. The ASCE will provide $65 million for projects aimed at reducing barriers unique to specialty crop producers in hopes of increasing global exports and expanding into new markets. This funding is part of the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program launched last October. In addition, USDA announced it was making $72.9 million available to states and territories through the Agricultural Marketing Service’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

CONGRESS HAS COME TO TERMS ON AGENCY FUNDING BILLS

Lawmakers have reached a deal on totals for a dozen funding bills, a critical step to funding the government through the remainder of fiscal year 2024.

Senate and House Appropriations reached the deal late Friday night. Neither side has released the numbers, which will update each government agency’s budget for the remainder of the fiscal year.

The deal comes after top appropriators spent weeks hashing out how to distribute a $1.7 trillion topline accord agreed to by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Speaker Mike Johnson earlier this month.

These numbers are highly anticipated at USDA. The latest stopgap spending measure keeping the government funded will expire in March, with USDA and FDA running out of cash on March 1. Another set of agencies will expire on March 8.

Congress has until then to pass a full suite of government funding bills that will keep agencies funded through Sept. 30 or fall back on another stopgap. Now that each of the 12 bills' toplines have been set, that task becomes significantly easier. However, the process is still far from over.

BIPARTISAN TAX PACKAGE RELEASED

House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) and Senate Committee on Finance Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) announced a bipartisan tax package that would raise the limits on the Section 179 expensing provision. Currently, Section 179 allows businesses to write off up to $1.16 million of equipment and software costs, with the limit phasing down as spending surpasses $2.9 million. Underneath the deal, it would increase the limit to $1.29 million and expand the phase-out to $3.22 million, indexed to inflation. The deal also restores the bonus depreciation provision back to 100%. The bonus depreciation provision has decreased gradually since it was last at 100% following the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The restoration of the bonus depreciation provision would last through 2025. Both of these provisions are commonly used by farmers to mitigate the cost of equipment and machinery. The tax package was marked up in the House Ways & Means Committee Friday and was approved by the Committee on a bipartisan 40-3 vote, with all three opposing votes coming from Democratic members.

SENATE BILLS

SB 349 – Senators Hufstetler, Albers, Esteves, Echols, and Anavitarte

A bill to revise provisions related to the setting of millage rates and provide for a statewide homestead exemption from ad valorem taxes in an amount equal to the amount by which a homestead's current year assessed value is more than 3% from the adjusted base year value and others.

Status – Heard in the committee on Finance on 1/22/2024. Passed by a vote of 6-2.

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 – Passed the Senate by a vote of 41-9 on 1/30/24. Referred to the House Committee on Motor Vehicles on 1/31/24.

SB 353 – Senators Dolezal and Dixon

A bill to amend weight and dimension requirements for modular unit transporters.

Status – Tabled on Senate floor on 1/29/24 by the author of the bill.

SB 364 – Senators Albers, Hufstetler, Summers, Still, and Anavitarte

A bill to 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 exceeds the lesser of 3 percent or the inflation rate from the adjusted base year value, and others. A modified and condensed version of SB 349 that was introduced in Week 1.

Status – Heard in the Finance Committee on 1/29/24. No action taken.

SB 393 – Senators Dixon, Walker, Lucas, and Summers

A bill to permit certain qualified individuals to register with the Health Department to conduct soil investigations and prepare soil reports of a site.

Status – Referred to the committee on State and Local Governmental Operations on 1/25/24.

SB 403 – Senators Ginn, Dixon, Echols, Hufstetler, and Walker

A bill to list and describe necessary components in annual tax assessment notices, including methods for filing appeals and all assessment values.

Status – Referred to the committee on Finance on 1/26/24.

SB 404 – Senators Moore and Beach

A bill to set the income tax rate at 5.49% and then reduce it by 1% each year until it reaches zero percent.

Status – Referred to the committee on Finance on 1/26/24.

SB 408 – Senator Brass

A bill to retract the Board of Natural Resources’ power to require fluoridation of drinking water in incorporated communities.

Status – Referred to the committee on Natural Resources on 1/26/24.

SB 410 – Senators Kirkpatrick, Walker, Robertson, Payne, and Anavitarte

A bill to provide temporary licenses to out-of-state veterinarians and to exempt certain services performed by out-of-state vets from licensing requirements.

Status – Heard in the committee on Regulated Industries on 1/30/24. Passed unanimously.

SB 420 – Senators Anavitarte, Goodman, Beach, Cowsert, and Gooch

A bill to prohibit certain foreign entities from purchasing agricultural land.

Status – Referred to the committee on Regulated Industries on 1/30/24.

SB 436 – Senators Watson, Goodman, Anderson, Walker, Ginn, and others

A bill to give operators of farm vehicles the right of way on a state or local roadways when it is unsafe for the farm vehicle to pull off to the far-right-hand side of the road.

Status – Referred to the committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs on 2/1/24.

SB 437 – Senators Robertson, Kirkpatrick, Watson, Strickland, and Sims

A bill to prohibit the sale of consumable hemp products to people under the age of 21 and to provide regulations for disclosing THC contents to consumers.

Status – Referred to the committee on Regulated Industries on 2/1/24.

HOUSE BILLS

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 - Heard in the Regulated Industries Regulatory Subcommittee on 2/1/24. No action taken.



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 – Passed House by a vote of 167-0 on 2/1/24.

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 – Heard in the committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs on 1/31/24. No action taken.

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 – Passed Ways and Means committee on 2/1/24.

HB 922 – Reps. Vance, 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 – Heard in the Judiciary Non-Civil subcommittee on 1/29/24. No action taken.

HB 926 – Reps. Reeves, Mainor, Greene, Hilton, and Vance

A bill to authorize individuals to obtain a certificate of good standing and use it as evidence of good moral character for employment, housing, and occupational licensing.

Status – Heard in the Judiciary Non-Civil subcommittee on 1/25/24. No action taken.

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.

HB 935 – Reps. Vance, Hitchens, Cameron, Scoggins, and Chastain

A bill to prohibit county, city, or campus officers from making a case based on the use of speed detection devices unless the vehicle’s speed exceeds the posted speed limit by more than ten miles per hour.

Status – Referred to the committee on Motor Vehicles on 1/22/24.

HB 981 – Reps. Burchett, Cannon, Dickey, Meeks, and Rhodes

A bill to exempt agricultural structures from permit fees in excess of $500.00.

Status – Heard in the committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs on 1/31/24. No action taken.

HB 994 – Reps. Powell, Rhodes, Leverett, Cox, Barrett, and McDonald

A bill to revise liability for the negligent operation of a vessel and to provide clarification for claims against owners of boat liveries.

Status – Heard in the Insurance subcommittee on Property and Casualty on 1/29/24. No action taken.

HB 1011 – Reps. Momtahan, Gullett, Daniel, Leverett, and Cannon

A bill to prohibit insurers from unfair and deceptive acts because the applicant or insured inquires about or submits a claim for which no payment is made.

Status – Referred to the committee on Insurance on 1/25/24.

HB 1017 – Reps. Seabaugh, Reeves, Burchett, Crowe, and Silcox

A bill to deem those who enter and reside upon land or premises without the knowledge or consent of the owner as guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.

Status – Referred to the committee on Judiciary on 1/25/24.

HB 1019 – Reps. Reeves, Burns, Blackmon, Jones, Knight, and Silcox

A bill to raise homestead exemptions from $2,000.00 to $4,000.00 and allow for those participating in the rural housing program to receive the same homestead exemption.

Status – Passed Ways and Means committee on 2/1/24.

HB 1031 – Reps. Blackmon, Knight, Martin, and Crowe

A bill to define “estimated roll-back rate” and direct the chief appraiser to appraise every parcel in 2025 and every three years thereafter.

Status – Referred to the committee on Ways and Means on 1/25/24.

HB 1047 – Rep. Byrd

A bill to set the income tax rate at 5.49% then reduce it by 1% each year until it reaches zero percent.

Status – Referred to the committee on Ways and Means on 1/26/24.

HB 1052 – Reps. Cannon, Dickey, Huddleston, McCollum, and Meeks

A bill to allow corporations to qualify for CUVA if the land they are leasing is used for agriculture or timber purposes and if the corporation ownership includes at least one US citizen.

Status – Referred to the committee on Ways and Means on 1/30/24.

HB 1093 – Reps. Clark, Pirkle, Blackmon, Corbett, and Bonner

A bill to prohibit certain foreign companies or individuals from purchasing agricultural land.

Status – Referred to the committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs on 1/31/24.

HB 1096 – Reps. Washburn, Werkheiser, Evans, and Powell

A bill to allow the Secretary of State to refuse to renew professional licenses unless the licensee has completed the required continuing education (if applicable to the profession).

Status – Referred to the committee on Regulated Industries on 2/1/24.

HB 1099 – Reps. Huddleston, Burchett, Cannon, Camp, and Rhodes

A bill to constitute a charge of criminal trespass against individuals who enter the land of another person that has been marked with purple paint marks on either trees or posts on said property.

Status – Referred to the committee on Judiciary Non-Civil on 2/1/24.

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 2/2/2024

2024 STAR SPONSORS

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

Asmark Institute

Bagwell Insurance Group, Inc.

Dickey Farms Inc.

Georgia CEO

Georgia Electric Membership Corporation

Georgia Power Co.

Premium Peanut

R & A Orchards, Inc.

Southwest Georgia Farm Credit

The Burkhalter Ranch

Albany Dougherty Economic

Development Commission

Carroll EMC

Color Burst

DeWitt Produce Co. Inc.

Fort Valley State University Co-op Ext. Program

Georgia Cotton Commission

Georgia Development Authority

Georgia Green Industry Association

Georgia Peanut Commission

Greg Sikes Farm, LLC

J & B Irrigation Inc.

Jaemor Farms

Leatherbrook Holsteins LLC

Kelley Manufacturing Co.

Leatherbrook Holsteins LLC

Mobley Greenhouses, Inc.

Osage Farms Inc.

Riverview Plantation Inc.

SafEnvirons, Inc.

Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition

Sunbelt Greenhouses

Superior Blueberries

The Turfgrass Group, Inc.

Triple Creek Farm

USA Poultry & Egg Export Council

Woodruff & Howe Environmental Engineering, Inc.

American Peanut Shellers Association

Boston Gin Company

Burriss Law Group, LLC

Centurion Poultry Inc.

Chastain & Associates Insurance Agency, Inc.

Circle C Farms Inc.

Citizen Farmers Academy

CLW Harvesting, LLC

Coastal Plains Farmers

Co-Op. Inc.

Cotton Partners LLC

Curry Farm Supply Inc.

EGA, Inc

Emanuel Peanut & Grain LLC

 Embry Transport, Inc.

Feeding Georgia

Fresh Plants, Inc.

Funston Gin Co., Inc.

Georgia Association of County Agricultural Agents

Georgia Association of Professional Ag Consultants

Georgia Cattlemen's Association

Georgia Crop Improvement Association Inc.

Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service, Inc.

Georgia FFA Association

Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center

Georgia Grown Citrus @ JoNina Farm

Georgia Milk Producers Inc.

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. / Yearwood Farms, 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 

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

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. 

FEBRUARY

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!

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.

February 13 I ATLANTA

GFB Day at the Capitol

February 29 I ATLANTA

Georgia Cattlemen's Association Steak Biscuit Breakfast

APRIL

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.

MAY

MAY 1 I FORSYTH

Second Annual Agribusiness Classic Clay Shoot

Join the Agribusiness Council and its members on May 1 in Forsyth at Meadows Clay Sports for our second annual clay shoot. More details will be coming soon!

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