James Jan-Feb 2024 web - Flipbook - Page 14
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a new trend.
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The state has done well managing its budget and tax
revenues. While we have record savings in reserve and
tax cuts on the table, it is important that we maintain
adequate funding for the support programs essential to
the industry such as the University System’s research, diagnostic, and extension services as well as tax programs
such as the Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE)
and Conservation Use Value Assessment (CUVA).
We must also enhance support for our land and
resource management. Farmers are the original conservationists, tending to the land and its natural resources.
In 2023, the legislature passed the Georgia Farmland
Conservation Act which established an agricultural
conservation easement program. This provides an essential tool for farmers to insulate productive lands from
development pressure, ensuring they are protected for
future generations. In addition to land protection, efforts
to ensure adequate water resources for agricultural use
are underway. Access to water and the protection of
private property rights are critical for agriculture’s future.
In 2022, Gov. Brian Kemp awarded a nearly $50 million
grant to the GA FIT program to support the development
of a Habitat Conservation Plan and other conservation
projects in the Flint River Basin. Through these efforts,
and with the appropriate funding by the General Assembly, we hope to increase access for agricultural withdrawals in a responsible, data-driven way.
Although Farm Bureau remains true to its grassroots mission advocating for sound agricultural policy,
the needs of our rural communities have grown more
complex over the years. To answer the needs of our
members and fill gaps in services available to rural
Georgia, Farm Bureau created the mutual insurance
company in 1958. Since then, we have continued to
expand services for our members. With offices in 158
counties led by volunteer leaders, Farm Bureau is
actively engaged in the development and success of
communities across the state.
Through scholarships, leadership development, Ag
in the Classroom, and youth programs, Farm Bureau
not only promotes agricultural policy but invests in our
future leaders to serve in the many avenues that support rural communities. With the creation of our mobile
ag classroom, Farm Bureau can travel the state visiting
elementary schools and community organizations with
state-of-the-art digital learning technology exposing
students to agriculture that may not have first-hand
opportunities on the farm.
While agriculture has played a key role in Georgia’s
history, Farm Bureau seeks to provide a way for all
Georgians to have a role in agriculture’s future. Together, we not only can be the best state to do business but
be the best state to grow.
Alex Bradford is the director of public policy and government affairs
for Georgia Farm Bureau.