September 11, 2024
www.gfb.org
Vol. 6 No. 17
FINANCES, FARM BILL & FARMLAND LOSS HOT TOPICS AT AG ISSUES SUMMIT By Jennifer Whittaker The potential for a farm financial crisis, a farm bill update, water, and farmland loss, were a few of the issues members of Georgia’s agricultural community heard about at the 2024 Joint Agriculture Committee Chairmen’s Ag Issues Summit held Aug. 27 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry. Rep. Robert Dickey and Sen. Russ Goodman, who chair the Georgia House and Senate Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committees, respectively, hosted this annual event that gives Georgia agriculture leaders an update on current and emerging issues Georgia’s top economic sector is experiencing. “It’s a pleasure to be here with all of you today. I want to thank all of you for turning out to hear updates on the pressing issues Georgia agriculture is facing, and we’ve got a few,” said Dickey. “Members of both the House and Senate Ag Committees are here today, so please take this opportunity to speak with them and tell them your concerns.” Georgia Farm Bureau was one of the event sponsors along with the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, Georgia Milk Producers, Inc., Georgia Forestry Association, Georgia Poultry Federation, Georgia Urban Ag Council, Georgia Green Industry Association, Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), and Georgia Agribusiness Council. “I want to thank Representative Dickey and Senator Goodman for holding this event and shining a light on all of these issues that our farmers are facing,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “I’d also like to thank each member of the House and Senate Ag Committees for the work you do during the General Session every year in Atlanta. I know firsthand the long hours that you put in while you’re in session and throughout the year as you visit with your constituents. Please know that Farm Bureau’s Public Policy staff is here to work with you whenever you need us.” A frank financial discussion Sen. Goodman stressed the dire financial situation many Georgia row crop farmers are facing. Goodman shared conversations he's had with a farmer who is a partner in a cotton gin that serves -continued on next page