Legislative Session Report Week 12
LEGISLATIVE REPORT WEEK 12
April 2, 2021
THAT'S A WRAP! GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADJOURNS SINE DIE
The 2021 Legislative Session came to an end this week with Sine Die falling on Wednesday, March 31st. Lawmakers took up a full slate of legislation on the final day of the 40-day session, adjourning shortly after midnight. With this being the first year of the two-year biennium, bills that did not pass this year will still be eligible during next year’s session. Out of the 1164 bills introduced, 369 have been passed by the House and 355 were passed by the Senate. Those receiving final passage have been sent to the Governor, who now has 40 calendar days to either sign or veto them.
The last few weeks of this session have been long with a great deal of work being done as both chambers worked to finalize legislation and push the FY22 budget across the finish line. The budget was finished on Wednesday during a conference committee made up of House and Senate members and then agreed to by both chambers. Please see below for a breakdown of the final FY22 budget as passed by the General Assembly and what all it includes for our state’s agricultural industry.
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is proud to represent your voice under the Gold Dome. As the state’s largest and only grassroots organization representing farmers spanning every county and commodity grown in the state, GFB staff have been present at the State Capitol for the duration of the session to ensure our members are well represented and legislation passed is favorable to Georgia’s number one industry. To see the bills which passed this session and those which are still eligible for next year, please see below.
The 2021 Legislative Session adjourned Sine Die on Wednesday, March 31.
AFY21 & FY22 BUDGETS SENT TO THE GOVERNOR
After weathering the COVID-19 pandemic better than expected economically, with a 7.5% increase in revenues over last year, the Governor and members of the General Assembly were able to pass optimistic Amended FY21 and FY22 budgets. As you recall, in preparation for the uncertainty of the pandemic, significant cuts were made across the board. Most of these cuts were restored this year in the Amended FY21, which the Governor signed on April 15.
The FY22 budget conference committee report was passed on sine die, March 31. We would like to commend Governor Kemp, House Appropriations Chairman Terry England (R-Auburn), Senate Appropriations Chairman Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia), and the members who serve on their committees for their hard work tackling this difficult task. Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) staff worked closely with them to advocate for funding of agricultural initiatives and we thank them for their continued support. This $27.3 billion budget included numerous components important for rural communities and agriculture, such as:
- $307,460 for the Georgia hemp program;
- $241,740 for one soil scientist, one compliance specialist, and two vehicles to administer soil amendment program;
- $333,350 to boost subscriptions to the Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin and use as the official regulatory and educational tool for the GATE program;
- $157,587 to the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority for operations;
- $39,555,757 to establish a Rural Innovation Fund to assist rural communities in developing targeted solutions for economic, medical, technological, or infrastructure challenges within their regions;
- $10,000,000 to establish a broadband infrastructure grant program to quickly target high-need broadband expansion in rural communities;
- $340,000 for four young farmer positions in Fulton County, Pickens County, Ware County, and Worth County;
- $2,652,325 for UGA Cooperative Extension Service operations; and
- $2,851,620 for Agricultural Experiment Station operations.
2021 AG LEGISLATION HIGHLIGHTS
Numerous bills advancing agriculture and addressing issues rural Georgians face were passed this session. Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Public Policy staff worked closely with our legislative friends and allied advocacy groups to advance bills beneficial to ag as well as halt detrimental policy proposals. See below for highlights of important legislation discussed this year, with a more complete list at the end of this report.
SB 247 – Agricultural Commodity Commissions Update – PASSED
Sen. Lee Anderson (R-Grovetown) presented SB 247, which modernizes the procedures for Commodity Commissions to serve notices, hold public hearings, and vote to better utilize commission funds and more effectively reach producers. Georgia Farm Bureau staff have worked closely with Sen. Anderson and the Department of Agriculture to advance this priority.
HB 498 – Ad Valorem Exemption of Ag Equipment & Products – PASSED
A few years ago, Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) worked closely with Rep. Sam Watson (R-Moultrie) to pass legislation modernizing the definition of a “farm entity” within the CUVA program to reflect the way many farms are currently structured. This change acknowledged the trend of consolidated farm ownership prevalent in today’s industry, stating that the creation of a farm entity made up of two people who individually qualify is also eligible.
GFB and others worked with Rep. Sam Watson (R-Moultrie) this year to make the same change to the ad valorem tax exemption of farm equipment and products, to allow the exemption for a merged farm entity made up of individually-qualifying family farms. Because this change requires amending the state’s constitution, if signed by the Governor it will require a statewide referendum on the November 2022 ballot to be enacted.
HB 693 – Right of Way for Farm Equipment – PASSED
In response to recent increases of roadway accidents involving vehicles and farm equipment, Rep. Steven Meeks (R-Screven) brought this bill which gives the right-of-way to farm equipment when following protocol on the roadway, providing some protection when others don’t exercise common sense safety practices.
SB 260 – Buffer Zone for Soil Amendments – PASSED
Following last year’s initiative to regulate bad actors applying non-agricultural soil amendments (from industrial by-products), Sen. Tyler Harper (R-Ocilla) authored SB 260 to place reasonable restrictions on local governments from imposing excessive buffer zones (maximum of 100ft) on these applications. This bill strikes a fair balance by allowing for the implementation of buffers in line with the widest currently in Georgia code, but does lessen any regulatory standards for application of soil amendments nor the ability of the Department of Agriculture and Georgia EPD to regulate and enforce the strict guidelines for such practices. The bill also requires the development of a nutrient management plan for application sites.
HB 676 – State Farmers' Markets – PASSED
Legislators have worked the past several years to address issues facing the profitability and usability of the state’s farmers’ markets, which have seen decline. Rep. Penny Houston (R-Nashville) has led this charge in coordination with Sen. Larry Walker (R-Perry), Rep. Robert Dickey (R-Musella), and Rep. Sam Watson (R-Moultrie). After extensive evaluation, HB 676’s final form established a legislative oversight committee, consisting of five members of each the House and Senate. The bill also included funds for an independent consultant to evaluate and make recommendations for strategic changes to improve their operation. Another component of this discussion is HB 511, which received final passage, establishing the Georgia Agricultural Trust fund. This fund will dedicate GATE card fees to be used on agricultural marketing & promotion activities by the Department of Agriculture and for the maintenance and operation of state farmers’ markets.
SB 222 – Pecan Becomes The Official State Nut – PASSED
An initiative of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association and sponsored by Sen. Carden Summers (R-Cordele), this bill names the pecan as the official state nut. Georgia produces approximately $263.4 million of pecans, ranked as the #2 largest producer in the nation in 2019. In recognition of the vast production and superior quality of pecans Georgia farmers produce, the legislature granted this official designation.
Raw Milk Sales Proposed – ONGOING
This year, the House Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee held a hearing with testimony given on the topic of raw milk sales in Georgia. The committee heard from the Georgia Milk Producers (GMP) Executive Director, Farrah Newberry, who discussed GMP’s recent shift to supporting the legalization of raw milk sales in the state to increase market opportunities for smaller dairy farms and the need for more direct-to-consumer options. Currently raw milk is only available for sale in Georgia as “pet milk” and cannot legally be produced for human consumption.
Georgia Farm Bureau currently has policy that stands opposed to the legalization of raw milk sales for human consumption in our state. Because such a change would require extensive evaluation into the ability to guarantee safety of the product and the regulatory structure to do so, Chairman Robert Dickey formed a subcommittee to look into the topic of raw milk over the course of the next year. GFB will have a seat at the table and remain engaged on this issue over the coming months to protect both our dairy producers and Georgia consumers.
To find more on a specific bill, visit the Georgia General Assembly website and use the "Search Legislation" tool at the top right.
BILL AIMING FOR DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME HEADS TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK
On the final day of the 2021 Legislative Session, the Georgia State Senate agreed to the House's amended SB 100, sending it to the Governor's desk for a signature or a veto. Senate Bill 100, which originally would have placed Georgia on Standard Time year-round, was amended in the House to match the chamber's original version, House Bill 44, which aimed to place Georgia on Daylight Saving Time year-round. House Bill 44 did not see passage during the 2021 session but remains eligible for year two of the biennium in 2022.
Should the Governor sign Senate Bill 100 into law, the state will still change its clocks twice a year - once in the spring and once in the fall - until Congress authorizes states to observe Daylight Saving Time year-round, at which point it will observe Daylight Saving Time indefinitely.
Georgia is not the only state with its eyes set on brighter evenings - in 2021 alone, 30 states saw legislation regarding the controversial subject.
SEN. WARNOCK TOURS SOUTHWEST GEORGIA FARMS
As featured in GFB's Field Notes
Sen. Raphael Warnock shared that he puts peanuts in his Coke. He marveled at the process through which raw cotton becomes clothing. He climbed on farm equipment and dined outside. Mostly he listened and got a one-day course on Georgia agriculture on March 31, hearing from numerous farm stakeholder organizations while touring six Southwest Georgia farms.
The ag tour, which Warnock said was his first tour since taking office, allowed producers of a wide array of commodities and from a variety of social backgrounds to share information about their crops and voice concerns about issues they face.
At a kick-off breakfast at Fort Valley State University, Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall introduced Warnock to leaders from several Georgia commodity groups, including Georgia Milk Producers, Georgia Poultry Federation, Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, Georgia Forestry Association, Georgia Peanut Commission, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Pecan Commission, and Georgia Peach Growers.
“Farm Bureau has a foot in the door with Sen. Warnock now after meeting with him and all the ag leaders in the state. We let him know that we are ready to work with him,” McCall said. “Since he is on the ag committee, and he is chairman of a subcommittee that deals with trade and risk management and commodities, it’s a very important thing that we need to be able to get to know him and communicate with him.”
Warnock was accompanied by long-time Georgia Farm Bureau friend Rep. Sanford Bishop on the tour, which included stops at Minor Farms in Sumter County, Olam Peanut Shellers in Lee County, Lee Cotton Gin in Terrell County, Century Pecan Groves in Lee County, Davis Farm in Colquitt County and Warrior Creek Farms in Worth County.
Warnock said he made a point of lobbying for a seat on the Senate Committee for Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.
“I wanted the first tour we did to be an ag tour,” Warnock said. “There’s no more important part of our economic viability as a state than the agricultural sector.”
At Minor Farms, fruit and vegetable growers discussed international trade, access to labor, estate taxes and broadband connectivity with Warnock, who also sits on the Senate Committee for Commerce.
Warnock voiced concerns over closures of rural Georgia hospitals in recent years and said the state’s expansion of Medicaid could have health and economic implications for rural Georgians, including farmers.
“We need to make sure a hospital is there when you need it,” Warnock said.
Tift County vegetable grower Bill Brim discussed the H-2A program’s Adverse Effect Wage Rate with Warnock, saying the rule inhibits larger operations like his from handling produce from smaller farms because when they do, the workers have to be paid overtime wage rates from the start.
At Olam, peanut producers noted that 30% of U.S.-grown peanuts are exported, though prices have decreased and other countries, notably European nations, have engaged in practices that decreased the value of U.S. peanuts.
At Davis Farm, Warnock heard how modern tillage practices and Georgia’s large swaths of timber forest contribute to carbon sequestration and could be a component in a push for climate change.
“It means a lot [that Sen. Warnock asked for an ag tour],” said Colquitt County row crop and cattle farmer Louie Perry III. “He’s not from this part of the state, but it’s very refreshing that he wants to be on the ag committee, he understands the importance of agriculture to the state of Georgia, and that he’s here touring farms across South Georgia.”
At Warrior Creek Farms, Warnock heard farmers’ concerns over the costs of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) requirements under federal food safety rules and expenses that make it difficult for small farmers to transport their farm products to their customers.
President Tom McCall speaks to Senator Raphael Warnock at Fort Valley State University on Wednesday.
SUPREME COURT RULES FOR GEORGIA IN FLORIDA WATER LAWSUIT
As featured in GFB's Field Notes
On April 1, the Supreme Court ruled in Georgia’s favor in a lawsuit filed by Florida over access to water in the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers.
Florida filed the suit in 2013, claiming that Georgia overuses water from the two rivers, which feed into the Apalachicola River in Florida, ultimately winding up in Apalachicola Bay, where a large portion of Florida’s oyster production occurs. Florida first directed blame on Metro Atlanta, which draws water from Lake Lanier, which is fed by the Chattahoochee, and later at farm use of water from the Flint River in Southwest Georgia. Florida asked the court to place severe water use restrictions on Georgia that would have caused enormous economic harm to Southwest Georgia farms and their communities.
Florida said Georgia’s use resulted in lower water flows, causing increased salinity and resulting in economic damage to the oyster industry.
“Georgia Farm Bureau is pleased with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Georgia’s favor in the lawsuit over access to water from the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers. Farmers in Southwest Georgia could have been devastated by the severe restrictions Florida proposed,” Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall said. “The state of Georgia and Georgia farmers have implemented numerous water conservation measures in the past 25 years that preserve water and minimize the amount of water Georgia farmers use to grow their crops. We think the Supreme Court recognized this with its ruling. Georgia Farm Bureau has worked tirelessly for years to ensure that Georgia farmers maintain access to the level of water required to clothe and feed America and the world. This ruling is an example of the advocacy work Farm Bureau does for farmers and why it’s important that Georgia’s agriculture community support our organization by being a member. We continue to support Georgia’s farmers as they practice responsible water use and constantly pursue improvements in water-use efficiency.”
Georgia maintained that the problems with the oysters were the result of overfishing rather than from Georgia’s water use. The case was initially tried by Special Master Ralph Lancaster who recommended that the court deny Florida’s petition, in part because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which controls the water flow in all three rivers, was not a party to the case.
The Supreme Court sent the case back to the special master. A second special master, Paul Kelly, was appointed to oversee the trial, and he, too, recommended that Florida’s request be denied. Kelly said Florida had failed to prove its case.
Georgia Farm Bureau has supported Georgia’s position in the case.
“The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision is a resounding victory for Georgia and a vindication of years-long effort by multiple governors and attorneys general here in the Peach State to protect our citizens’ water rights,” Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said. “Our state will continue to wisely manage water resources and prioritize conservation, while also protecting Georgia’s economy and access to water.”
To read the Supreme Court ruling, click here.
BILLS THAT PASSED
To find more on a specific bill, visit the Georgia General Assembly website and use the "Search Legislation" tool at the top right.
HB 90:
Reps. Williamson, Burns, Dickey, Hatchett, Morris, and Watson
HB 90 seeks to address an issue that the existing 1939 statute does not appropriately cover modern forestry practices with in regards to mill purchases of cut timber and the chain of liability that follows such transactions. The legislation is supported by both the Georgia Bankers Association and the Georgia Forestry Association.
House Passed/Adopted by Substitute on 2/17/2021. Senate Passed/Adopted on 3/9/2021.
HB 150:
Reps. Williamson, Hatchett, Kelley, Frazier, Parsons, and Smith
In a concerning trend, some state and local authorities in the U.S. have adopted measures banning the connection of certain fuels (propane and natural gas) in new construction in an effort to reach their “carbon free” goals. HB 150 would prohibit government entities in Georgia from banning the connection of any utility service based on the type or source of fuel. GFB supports this bill, as many agricultural producers rely on these resources.
House Passed/Adopted by Substitute on 2/22/2021. Senate Passed/Adopted by Committee Substitute on 3/22/2021.
HB 265:
Reps. Knight, Williamson, and Blackmon
House Bill 265 aims to clean up the state's revenue code, a large portion of the bill relating to tax-relief measures stemming from federal Covid-19 relief legislation. Included in the bill is a measure which would make certain Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans tax exempt. Under SB 265, businesses eligible for PPP loan forgiveness would not be required to pay state taxes on the loans, even though they count as income. The measure also lets those business owners claim tax deductions on the loans.
House Passed/Adopted on 2/9/2021. Senate Passed/Adopted on 2/24/2021.
HB 282:
Reps. Meeks, England, Hatchett, Watson, and Dickey
This bill provides clarity to the ad valorem taxation of qualified timberland property by defining parameters for “contiguous” property, specifying how the appraised value of timberland property is calculated, and clarifies the required documentation landowners must submit to the Commissioner of Revenue for certification.
House Passed/Adopted by Committee Substitute on 2/17/2021. Senate Finance Committee Favorably Reported by Substitute on 3/18/2021.
HB 290:
Reps. Setzler, Newton, Hatchett, Rich, Jackson, and Bentley
House Bill 290, or the "Right to Visit" Bill, would require Georgia's hospitals and nursing home facilities to allow patients to visit with family members for a minimum of two hours per day - even during a public health emergency such as the Covid-19 pandemic - following proper safety and health protocols including as negative testing.
House Passed/Adopted by Substitute on 3/8/2021. Senate Passed/Adopted by Committee Substitute on 3/29/2021.
HB 336:
Reps. Corbett, Dickey, Pirkle, Jasperse, and Watson
Following two years of extensive legislation establishing Georgia's new hemp industry, HB 336 is a cleanup bill seeking to align Georgia's hemp laws to match federal standards.
House Passed/Adopted on 2/26/2021. Senate Passed/Adopted by Committee Substitute on 3/18/2021.
HB 498:
Reps. Watson, Dickey, LaHood, England, and Pirkle
Tax programs and business models have increased the prevalence of family farm mergers. This bill modernizes the ad valorem tax exemption of farm equipment and products to these merged entities, so long as they would qualify for the exemption individually.
House Passed/Adopted on 3/8/2021. Senate Passed/Adopted by Substitute on 3/29/2021.
HR 185:
Reps. Ralston, Watson, Jasperse, England, Dickey
House Resolution 185 would reauthorize the House Rural Development Council. The Council was created to study the issues facing rural parts of Georgia and recommend any action or legislation necessary to the continued economic success of Georgia, especially in rural areas.
House Passed/Adopted on 3/3/2021.
SB 100:
Sens. Watson, Dugan, Kennedy, Miller, Au, and Burke
This bill would require Georgia to observe Daylight Savings Time year-round. This will only become effective if Congress authorizes states to observe daylight savings time year-round.
Senate Passed/Adopted by Substitute on 2/24/2021. House Passed/Adopted by Committee Substitute on 3/29/2021.
SB 119:
Sens. Harper, Goodman, Burke, Mullis, Anderson, and Walker
Under Senate Bill 119, you would not have to obtain a burn permit to burn leaf piles, yard debris, or hand-piled natural vegetation, given that you meet guidelines regarding time, location, and others.
Senate Passed/Adopted by Substitute on 2/24/2021. House Passed/Adopted on 3/23/2021.
SB 222:
Sens. Summers, Walker III, Sims, Harper, Goodman
SB 222 would designate the pecan as the official state nut of Georgia.
Senate Passed/Adopted on 3/3/2021. House Passed/Adopted on 3/31/2021.
SB 247:
Sens. Anderson, Walker, Miller, Goodman, and Summers
SB 247 modernizes the Agricultural Commodities Promotion Act regarding marketing orders to allow for online publication of notices and announcements, online public comment periods, and clarity to the voting process to create new or major amendments to marketing orders.
Senate Passed/Adopted by Substitute and Floor Amendment on 3/8/2021. House Passed/Adopted on 3/22/2021.
BILLS THAT DID NOT PASS BUT WILL REMAIN ELIGIBLE IN 2022
To find more on a specific bill, visit the Georgia General Assembly website and use the "Search Legislation" tool at the top right.
HB 44:
Reps. Cantrell, Greene, Barr, Werkheiser, Gambill, and Williams
This bill would require Georgia to observe Daylight Savings Time year-round. This will only become effective if Congress authorizes states to observe daylight savings time year-round.
House Passed/Adopted on 3/5/2021. Senate Government Oversight Committee Favorably Reported by Substitute on 3/16/2021.
HB 139:
Reps. Mainor, Dukes, McClain, Mallow, and Thomas
This bill would prohibit trains from blocking any traffic crossing for longer than 15 minutes (with exceptions for safety reasons), and also require signage at crossings providing a telephone number to report such instances.
Assigned to House Transportation Committee on 1/28/2021.
HB 482:
Reps. Lim and Holcomb
This bill would provide a preferential tax rate program that seeks to promote urban agriculture as well as provide for urban agricultural incentive zones that would be located in areas with a 15% or greater poverty rate. The program includes restrictions for properties that enter a contract such as being at least .10 acres but not more than 5 acres and for an initial term of at least 5 years. This bill is the enabling legislation for HR 164 that would put this change on the ballot in 2022 as a constitutional amendment.
Assigned to House Ways and Means Committee on 2/17/2021.
HB 496:
Reps. Burchett, Burns, Rhodes, Ridley, and Williams
This bill seeks to create a $1,000 Annual Forest Product Permit, issuable by the Department of Transportation, allowing vehicles hauling timber up to a gross weight of 95,000, up to 10 feet wide, and no more than 100 feet long.
Assigned to House Transportation Committee on 2/18/2021.
HB 500:
Reps. Burchett, Blackmon, Dickey, Rhodes, and Watson
The Georgia Agribusiness and Rural Jobs Act, established in 2017, provides a system of non-traditional loans for rural businesses to encourage economic growth and jobs. This legislation would provide the second round of funding, in the amount of $100 million, to replenish the program.
Assigned to House Ways and Means Committee on 2/18/2021.
HB 504:
Reps. Williamson, Reeves, Burns, Knight, Blackmon, and Lott
Similar to HB 500, this legislation provides a second round of funding for the Georgia Agribusiness and Rural Jobs Act in the amount of $100 million. However, the bill goes on to create a new NAICS code and tax program for medical equipment and supplies manufacturers. Additionally, this bill goes on to address other tax credit programs dealing with high-impact aerospace defense projects, Georgia ports, and railroads.
Assigned to House Ways and Means Committee on 2/18/2021.
HB 608:
Reps. Wiedower, Burns, Smyre, Parsons, and Kelley
In an effort to enhance the expansion of broadband to unserved areas, this legislation authorizes the use of OneGeorgia funds to award contracts to qualified providers under the Georgia Broadband Deployment Initiative.
Assigned to House Governmental Affairs Committee on 2/24/2021.
HR 164:
Reps. Lim and Holcomb
HR 164 would allow for a constitutional amendment to be on the ballot in 2022 should HB 482 pass. See above for additional information on HB 482.
Assigned to House Ways and Means Committee on 2/17/2021.
SB 30:
Sens. Beach and Harbison
Senate Bill 30 would provide for pari-mutuel horse racing in the state at a limited number of licensed equestrian centers, create the Georgia Horse Racing Commission, and provide for the comprehensive regulation of pari-mutuel horse racing and related activities.
Referred to Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee on 1/28/2021.
SB 65:
Sens. Gooch, Miller, Cowsert, Tillery, Harper, and Hatchett
In a continued effort to expand broadband access to rural and un-served communities, this legislation allows the Public Service Commission and Department of Community Affairs to utilize a portion of the Universal Access Fund for such services.
Assigned to Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee on 2/2/2021.
SB 118:
Sens. Harper, Burke, Tillery, Goodman, Anderson, and Kennedy
SB 118 would increase truck weights for 6-axle timber haulers up to 100,000 lbs.
Assigned to Senate Transportation Committee on 2/10/2021.
THANK YOU!
Georgia Farm Bureau’s strength lies with the grassroots participation of our members. We would like to thank our members who have been engaged throughout this legislative session providing staff and legislators invaluable insight on issues important to agriculture. We would also like to thank our elected friends who are essential to protecting the future of Georgia farmers. Even though the 2021 Legislative Session has come to a close, we will continue working alongside our members and Georgia's elected officials to advance the priorities and issues of our state's #1 industry, agriculture.
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The Georgia Farm Bureau Federation has a membership of almost 250,000 and serves as state's the largest general farm organization. Our goal is to provide leadership and assistance to the agricultural sector, to promote farm products, to aid in ag-related procurement, to be a spokesman for the farmer in the legislative arena, to be a leader in the development and expansion of farm markets, and to strive for more agricultural research and educational funds and facilities.
With members in all 159 Georgia counties, Georgia Farm Bureau is dedicated to promoting and improving agriculture in our counties, state and nation and in continually improving and expanding our service-to-member programs which serve to enhance the quality of life for all Georgians.
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Public Policy Department Staff
Jeffrey Harvey, Director
Joe McManus, Assistant Director
Alex Bradford, State Affairs Coordinator
Raynor Churchwell, Agricultural Programs Specialist
Tripp Cofield, National Policy Counsel
Katie Duvall, Advocacy and Policy Development Coordinator
Renee Jones, Office Coordinator
Jake Matthews, Governmental Affairs Specialist
Jeremy Taylor, Agricultural Programs Specialist