2023 Legislative Report Week 4

GFB Public Policy Department

LEGISLATIVE REPORT WEEK 4

February 23, 2023

IN THIS ISSUE:

In this Issue:

Week 4 Under the Gold Dome
Senate Ag Meets
Budget Update
Special Election Results
GFB County Presidents Gather in Perry
Deer Nuisance Comments
Action This Week
Bills of Interest
USDA Disaster Assistance
2022 Census of Agriculture
GFB Day at The Capitol

Week four Under the Gold Dome

Things are now in full swing with the first bills of the session making their way to the floor of the House and Senate. This week began with day 9 of the legislative session and concluded with day 12 on Thursday, February 2. We are already nearly a third of the way to Sine Die, the last day of session, as legislators continue to introduce their legislative proposals. The AFY23 budget passed out of the House on Thursday with several changes to the Governor's proposed budget. Next week, we expect to see a number of bills related to agriculture heard in committee. After a break for the weekend, things will pick back up right where they left off on Monday, February 6th, for day 13.

Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is at the Capitol everyday keeping a close watch on legislation that impacts Georgia agriculture and strengthening relationships with key legislative leaders. Please see below for more details regarding the work taking place under the gold dome.

Senate Ag Committee Meets

The first meeting of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs was held this Monday, January 30th. Serving as the new Chairman of the committee this year is Senator Russ Goodman (R-Homerville). We are excited to work with Chairman Goodman, a blueberry farmer from South Georgia, and a great friend to Georgia Farm Bureau. With some new faces on the Senate Ag Committee, we are eager to get to work with the committee during this session. Click below to view a full list of the Senate Ag Committee members.

Committee Members

House Passes AY23 Budget

On Thursday, February 2, during the 12th legislative day of the 2023 session, the House passed their version of the Amended FY23 budget, putting their own touch on the Governor's budget proposal. The AFY23 budget is based on a revenue prediction of $32.56 billion, which is an increase of $2.36 billion over the original FY 2023 budget. Most of the additional funding added into the amended budget is being utilized for one-time projects as the revenue estimates going forward do not predict the same level of growth as seen in recent years. Please see below for items that were added by the House to the AFY23 budget.

Department of Agriculture

$150,000 in added funds to recommission the Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
$766,812 in funds to implement the Georgia Raw Dairy Act from the 2022 session (HB 1175)
Funds to fully implement the $5,000 one time pay increase from the 2022 legislative session (HB 911)
$249,800 in funds to purchase equipment and replacement of five high-mileage vehicles

Agriculture Experiment Station

$1,160,000 in one-time funds for the construction of integrated precision agriculture demonstration farm
$100,000 in funds for a vertical farming greenhouse planning study

Forestry

$200,000 in funds to the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources to quantify the ecological and economic impacts of land dedicated to forestry, row-crop farming, and solar energy production

Healthcare

$25,000 in funds for a rural hospital study
$56,000 for nursing program recruitment efforts in Southwest Georgia

Special Election Results

On January 31, a special election was held to fill a number of vacancies in both the State House and Senate. Former Rep. Sam Watson was elected to represent Senate District 11 that was recently vacated by former Sen. Dean Burke. Replacing Sam Watson for the House District 172 seat is newly elected Charles "Chas" Cannon from Moultrie, GA. Johnny Chastain was elected to serve in House District 7, which was formerly held by the late Speaker of the House David Ralston. Finally, the House District 119 will be sent to a runoff election between Holt Persinger and Charlie Chase. We would like to congratulate all the recently elected members and look forward to working with them throughout the rest of this legislative session.

GFB County Presidents Gather in Perry

On Wednesday, February 1 county leaders from across the state convened at the GA National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry for the 2023 Presidents' Conference. Attendees participated in educational breakout sessions covering topics such as farmer mental health initiatives, GFB's new Ambassador program, engaging to advocate for agricultural policy, and leadership development. These sessions provided an opportunity for leaders to not only learn from presenters but also share their experiences and successes. During lunch, the crowd heard from keynote speaker Dr. Laura Meadows, whose impressive background and leadership includes previous roles as GFB Legislative Director, State Director of USDA-Rural Development, Commissioner of Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and Executive Director of OneGeorgia Authority, and Director of UGA's Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

2022 Census of Agriculture

"The future of agriculture depends on your response."

The USDA's 2022 Census of Agriculture is officially underway, and they need your response to make sure all farm families are being counted. You have until February 6, 2023 to submit your information. It is critical that Georgia farmers participate, as policymakers use this data to make both federal and local decisions impacting farm programs, funding, crop insurance rates, rural development, disaster assistance, the farm bill, and much more. Remember, all personal information collected will remain confidential and will not be used in any other way other than USDA data collection.

Although the survey may seem overwhelming, each producer only has to complete the sections that pertains to their operation. You can submit your questionnaire online or by mail. Below is a link that will allow you to access the online portal-- all you will need to have is your unique survey code. If you do not have the survey code from the form mailed to you, please call 888-424-7828 to obtain your code over the telephone.

Once you have your survey code, please follow the steps below to complete the 2022 Census of Agriculture.

Go to www.agcounts.usda.gov
Enter the 12-digit survey code in the box
Select My Active Surveys
Select the link that says UNITED STATES 2022 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE
Verify the contact information is correct and select ADDRESS VERIFIED - START SURVEY, or make corrections by selecting MAKE CORRECTIONS
1. If you made Operation, Operator, or Contact Information corrections, select SAVE CHANGES - START SURVEY
Complete the census through the Conclusion section and select Submit Survey

All census information must be submitted by February 6, 2023 so be sure to complete yours in time.

Complete the Census of Agriculture

Deer Nuisance Comments

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resource Division (WRD) is requesting public input on the development of hunting regulation proposals for the 2023-2025 hunting seasons. With the ongoing challenge of deer depredation and the resulting crop damage that greatly impacts our state's farmers, we encourage you to make your voice heard regarding these proposals by advocating for an expansion of limits and season dates and prioritizing harvest of does. Comments may be submitted by email to gm.comments@dnr.ga.gov or by written letter mailed to the following address:

Dr. Tina Johannsen
GA DNR Wildlife Resources Division
2067 US Hwy. 278, SE
Social Circle, GA 30025

All comments must be received by 4:30 pm on February 6, 2023.

Georgia Farm Bureau Supports the Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Disaster and Pandemic Assistance Programs

Starting Jan 23, agricultural producers can begin to apply for two new important programs for revenue losses, from 2020 and 2021 natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic. Both programs equitably fill gaps in earlier assistance.

First, you may be eligible for assistance through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two if you experienced revenue losses from eligible natural disasters in 2020 and 2021. ERP Phase Two is for producers who didn't receive assistance from ERP Phase One.

You may also be eligible for the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) if you experienced revenue losses in calendar year 2020. PARP is addressing gaps in previous pandemic assistance, which was targeted at price loss or lack of market access, rather than overall revenue losses.

Applications for both new programs are due June 2, 2023, and you can apply for both programs during your same appointment with USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Historically, FSA programs have been designed to make direct payments to producers based on a single disaster event or for a single commodity loss. For many of you, this may be the first revenue-based program that you've applied for with FSA. Please click the button below for more information.

Click Here

Rodenticide Action Alert

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently accepting comments regarding their proposed interim registration review decisions for several rodenticides. Included in the decision, EPA would classify nearly all anticoagulant rodenticides as Restricted Use Products (RUPs) and require certification for their use. This could decrease the availability of these products with current retailers as well as add additional cost, time, and manpower for Georgia farmers. We urge you to click the "Take Action" link below to submit comments to EPA and let them know continued access to rodenticides are important for your operation. Feel free to personalize the message to let EPA know the economic and safety impacts these products provide for you. The deadline to provide feedback is February 13, 2023.

Click Here

Action This Week

HB 73:
Reps. Gullett, Parsons, Thomas, Anderson, Meeks, and others
This bill deals with ensuring transparency between buyers and sellers of distributed energy generation systems, including solar energy procurement, and provides access to educational information surrounding contracts and agreements for such systems. It specifically looks to address deceptive business practices seen throughout the state by certain companies selling rooftop solar systems.
Passed out of Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Subcommittee on 2/2/2023

HB 82:
Reps. Jackson, Hawkins, Cooper, Williams, Beverly, and others
This bill would eliminate the current tax credit available for rural physicians and replace it with a new tax credit of up to $5,000 for each taxable year. The new tax credit would be available to a wider array of health care professionals including dentists, nurse practitioners, physical assistants and more. It also imposes certain restrictions such as a cap on the number of years it can be claimed (5 years) and restrictions on those who are already working in a rural area.
Assigned to House Ways and Means Committee on 1/31/2023

HB 132:
Reps. Jenkins, Pirkle, Knight, Huddleston, and Camp
This bill authorizes the use of ungraded lumber in the construction or repair of any accessory structure not primarily used as habitable space.
Assigned to House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 2/1/23

HB 162:
Reps. McDonald, Blackmon, Gillard, Meeks, and Barrett
This bill issues a tax return to all qualified taxpayers who filed an individual tax return for both 2021 and 2022. For a single or married taxpayer filing separately, they will receive $250. For a head of household, they will receive $375. For a married couple filing jointly, they will receive $500.
Assigned to House Ways and Means 2/1/23

HB 189:
Reps. Meeks, Burchett, Corbett, Frye, Dickey, and others
This bill would increase the current total gross vehicle weight (GVW) allowed for various trucks and haulers to include a 12.5% variance, allowing for 5-axle trucks to haul up to 90,000lbs. It is important to note that over the past two years we have been operating under various executive orders by Governor Brian Kemp that allowed for trucks to haul up to 95,000lbs (GVW) in an effort to combat supply chain issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and other global market disruptions. Currently, there is a 5% variance allowed for trucks hauling agricultural commodities and other specified goods within 100 miles of the farm. This bill would expand that to all cargo across all industries and increase the weight limit to a total GVW of 90,000lbs.
Assigned to House Transportation Committee 2/2/2023

HR 96:
Reps. Williams, Petrea, Dickey, Corbett, Rhodes, and others.
This resolution proposes an amendment to the state constitution that would reduce the rate of ad-valorem tax assessment on timber at the time of sale or harvest. The proposal would require that the state appropriate funds annually to each county or municipality to compensate for any loss in revenue.
House Hopper 2/1/23

SB 39:
Sens Jackson, Goodman, Summers and Butler
This bill, called the "Georgia Hemp Farming Act," would change the limitations for individuals seeking a license or permit to grow hemp. It would change current law to allow individuals who are convicted of a misdemeanor involving the sale of a controlled substance, to apply for and be given a license or permit to grow industrial hemp. It would also allow someone convicted of a felony to apply for and receive a license or permit after 10 years has passed from said felony.
Assigned to Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee on 1/31/2023

SB 60:
Sens Hatchett, Ginn, Albers, Robertson, Kennedy and others
Last year Senator Bo Hatchett (R-Cornelia) introduced legislation to address concerns raised by secondary metal recyclers whose business practices are restricted in their methods of payment for deposits. Under current law, recyclers may only pay using a check, electronic funds transfer, or a voucher. GFB along with other interested organizations worked closely with Sen. Hatchett to seek a solution that alleviated their business expenses by allowing for limited cash payment (up to $100) for deposits excluding utility wire, communications copper, copper wire, batteries, or catalytic converters. The bill did not receive final passage last year, so Sen. Hatchett has reintroduced SB 60, which is nearly identical to last year's legislation. It seeks to find a reasonable balance between deterrence of widespread metal theft while still allowing for a business-friendly environment. We appreciate Sen. Hatchett working with all interested parties to find a solution that also provides specific carve outs for the items and metal property most commonly stolen from farms and agricultural operations.
Assigned to Senate Judiciary Committee on 2/1/2023

Bills of Interest

HB 33:
Reps Camp, Mathiak, Lim, Au, and Cameron
This bill would establish the State Board of Veterinary Medicine as an independent agency attached to the Department of Agriculture for administrative purposes. The State Board of Veterinary Medicine serves as the licensing board for veterinarians in the state of Georgia. Currently, this board is administratively attached to the Secretary of State and is under the professional licensing boards division. The legislation would create an executive director position for the board and give them the authority to hire outside investigators to inspect veterinary clinic premises, equipment, and mobile clinics.
Assigned to House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee on 1/23/2023

HB 53:
Reps Corbett, Meeks, Pirkle, Dickey, and Williams
This bill would establish the State Board of Registration for Foresters as an independent agency attached to the State Forestry Commission for administrative purposes. Currently the Board is under the professional licensing boards division of the Secretary of State's office.
Assigned to House Natural Resources and Environment Committee on 1/23/2023

HR 32:
Reps Balinger, Jasperse, Ridley, Byrd, Thomas, Scoggins
This resolution recognizes Shirley Pahl, program coordinator and office manager for the Cherokee County Farm Bureau, for her collaboration with legislators, leadership within the county, and dedicated service to her community. The members of the State House of Representatives congratulate her on her retirement and extends their best wishes.
House Read and Adopted 1/24/2023

SR 18:
Sens Walker, Goodman, Dixon, Echols, Anderson
This resolution recognizes February 21, 2023, as FFA Day at the Capitol and acknowledges the positive impact that FFA has on youth in Georgia.
Senate Read and Adopted 1/24/2023

SR 36:
Sens Walker, Goodman, Dixon, Echols, Sims, Anderson, and others
Recognizes February 8, 2023, as 4-H Day at the Capitol and commemorates the achievements of outstanding students within the organization this year.
Senate Read and Adopted 1/25/2023

Register for GFB Day at The Capitol

This year's Georgia Farm Bureau Day at The Capitol is scheduled for Tuesday, February 14th. We hope you will take this opportunity to join us at the State Capitol to advocate for Georgia agriculture and meet with your legislators as well as other Farm Bureau members from across the state.

The event will begin at 9:30am in the Blue Room at The Georgia Freight Depot. The Depot is located on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive just northwest of the Capitol, at Underground Atlanta. Following orientation, we encourage everyone to visit with your legislators at the Capitol and invite them to come back with you to the Depot to enjoy lunch at noon. Invitations will be sent out to all legislators, but a personal invitation from you would be especially helpful.

Complimentary security parking is located at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel parking deck, located at 165 Courtland Street NE, and a shuttle bus service will run from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

You can access event and registration information by clicking the button below - please complete the registration by January 20th.

Dates to Remember

Please see below for a list of upcoming events related to Georgia Agriculture:

February 6-7: Forestry Day at the Capitol
February 14: Georgia Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol
February 21: Georgia FFA Day at the Capitol
March 1: PB&J Day
March 6: Georgia Cattleman's Steak Biscuit Day

Not a Member Georgia Farm Bureau? Join Today!

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.

Membership in Georgia Farm Bureau is open to everyone. You don't need to be a farmer or have insurance with us to join Farm Bureau!

If you would like to become a member of Georgia Farm Bureau, you can start your membership online right now! We have a simple application process, and you can be our newest member in just a couple of minutes. Click the button below or use our County Office Locator to find the office nearest you.

JOIN TODAY

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Public Policy Department Staff

Alex Bradford, Director
Adam Belflower, Governmental Affairs Specialist
Raynor Churchwell, Agricultural Programs Manager
Renee Jones, Operations Coordinator
Jake Matthews, Governmental Affairs Specialist
Jeremy Taylor, Agricultural Programs Specialist
Keaton Walker, Advocacy and Policy Development Specialist

GFB Public Policy Department

LEGISLATIVE REPORT WEEK 1

January 13, 2023

IN THIS ISSUE:

In this Issue:

General Assembly Convenes
Inauguration Day
New House and Senate Leadership
Governor Kemp Budget Proposal
New Faces Join GFB Public Policy
2023 Policies Established at the 104th AFBF Convention

General Assembly Convenes for 2023 Legislative Session

On January 9th, 2022, the Georgia General Assembly gathered for Day 1 of the 2023 legislative session. The chambers were buzzing with excitement, and it was hard to tell if it was for the start of a new legislative session or the national championship game to be played in Los Angeles later that night. With a Bulldog victory over the Horned Frogs on Monday, the General Assembly reconvened on Wednesday January 11th for the second day of the 40-day session.

On Monday the House and Senate passed an adjournment resolution setting the calendar for the remaining 40 days of the legislative session. Crossover Day, marking the point at which all bills must pass the chamber in which they originated to have a chance at final passage this year, has been set for Monday, March 6th. Sine Die, the last day of session, will be on Wednesday, March 29th. This session marks the first year of the two-year biennium, meaning there will be no legislation that carried over from last year.

At the beginning of this session, we welcomed 52 newly elected freshmen legislators to the General Assembly - 10 new state senators and 42 new state representatives. Following a special election on January 31st, three additional new members to the General Assembly will fill the vacant seats of House District 7, House District 172, and Senate District 11. The House seats were occupied by the late Speaker David Ralston (HD 7) and Rep. Sam Watson (HD 172) who gave up his position to run for the vacant Senate District 11 seat, formerly held by Sen. Dean Burke (SD 11).

Legislators met for a total of 4 legislative days this week, adjourning on Friday. They will return on Monday January 23rd, for Legislative Day 5. Next week will largely consist of appropriations hearings as the General Assembly looks to set funding levels for 2024 and amend the FY2023 budget.

Read about the first week of session in Georgia Farm Bureau's Legislative Report
(Photo Credits: House Media Services)

Inauguration Day - Georgia's Constitutional Officers

As we enter a new year and legislative session, we welcome our constitutional officers who are newly elected and those returning for another term. A joint meeting of the State House and Senate convened in the Georgia State Convocation Center, where Governor Brain Kemp and all other constitutional officers were sworn in. In Governor Kemp's inaugural address, he highlighted his accomplishments over the past four years and outlined his plan to build on that success during his second term. Governor Brian Kemp will serve another 4-year term after winning reelection this past November, earning over 53% of the statewide vote.

Former State Senator Burt Jones from Jackson, Georgia will be serving as our state's next Lieutenant Governor. Taking over the role of Georgia's 3rd Commissioner of Agriculture since 1969 is Tyler Harper. Commissioner Harper previously served as the State Senator for Georgia's 7th district. Returning for another term will be Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Attorney General Chris Carr, Commissioner of Insurance John King, and State School Superintendent Richard Woods. Newly elected to serve as Georgia's Commissioner of Labor is former State Senator Bruce Thompson.

Georgia Farm Bureau congratulates all of our elected constitutional officers, and we look forward to working with them throughout the 2023 legislative session and for the years to come.

New House and Senate Leadership

GFB Congratulates New Leadership
(Photo Credits: Senate Press Office)

With quite a few new faces in the Georgia General Assembly also comes changes to key leadership positions in both the State House and Senate. This week, Sen. Russ Goodman (R-Cogdell) was named Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee for the upcoming legislative session. Sen. Goodman is a 7th generation farmer in South Georgia and is a great friend to agriculture and Farm Bureau.

The passing of longtime Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, David Ralston, late last year came as sad news to all those who knew him. Speaker Ralston's work as a member of the General Assembly and Speaker of the House for the past 12 years will have a positive effect on our state for a long time to come. Taking over the role as Speaker this year is Rep. Jon Burns from Newington, Georgia. Previously serving as the House Majority Leader, Speaker Burns represents House District 159. We are excited to have such a strong supporter of agriculture and Farm Bureau in this distinguished position.

Continuing in her role as House Speaker Pro-Tempore is Rep. Jan Jones of District 47. Rep. Chuck Efstration of District 104 will assume the role of House Majority Leader and James Beverley of District 143 will continue to serve as the House Minority Leader. For a comprehensive list of the leadership posts in the House please click here.

Serving as the new Senate President Pro-Tempore is Sen. John F. Kennedy of District 18. Sen. Steve Gooch of District 51 will be the new Senate Majority Leader and Sen. Gloria Butler of District 55 will serve as the Senate Minority Leader. To see the rest of the Senators serving in leadership roles for the new legislative session please click here.

Governor Kemp Budget Proposal Unveiled

On Friday Governor Kemp released his AFY2023 and FY2024 Budget Report. With state revenues continuing to remain strong, Georgia is on solid footing with a Revenue Shortfall Reserve in excess of $5 billion and additional funds marked as Undesignated Shortfall Reserve. Governor Kemp plans to again use $1 billion of state reserves for a one-time taxpayer refund and another $1 billion for a one-time Homeowner Tax Relief Grants (HTRG) program. The Governor's proposed budget for FY2024 also includes a $2,000 cost of living increase for all state employees totaling around $243 million. Other items include investments in economic development, K-12 education, and law enforcement.

Public Policy Staff will be reviewing the Governor's proposed budget and will be providing a detailed look at all items related to agriculture in next week's legislative report.

New Faces Join GFB Public Policy

We are excited to welcome two new faces to the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Public Policy Department. Back in October, GFB welcomed Keaton Walker as the new Advocacy and Policy Development Specialist. She is married to Dr. Clay Walker with one son, Canaan, and currently lives in Hawkinsville, Georgia. Walker grew up on a family farm in Colquitt County raising cattle and quail. She is a graduate of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the University of Georgia with a degree in Agricultural Communications. Previously in her career she held positions with Circle F Farms and the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. At GFB, Walker will oversee GFB's annual policy development process, operations of the newly formed PAC, and coordinate members' grassroots advocacy initiatives.

Keaton Walker joins Georgia Farm Buerau

Adam Belflower joins Georgia Farm Bureau

Keaton Walker

Adam Belflower

In January, Adam Belflower joined the team as a Governmental Affairs Specialists. He is a recent graduate of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences where he studied Agribusiness. Belflower is originally from Cochran, Georgia where he attended Bleckley County High School. At a young age he realized his love for agriculture while working on various farms in Bleckley County. In hopes of pursuing a career in agriculture, he attended UGA and became an active member of UGA's Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) chapter. Through his time at UGA, involvement with YF&R, and various agriculture internships, Belflower came to start his career with GFB. In this role he will be responsible for representing Georgia agriculture in the legislative arena and working to advance GFB policy before the Georgia General Assembly.

We are excited to have these two join our team and excited to see the great work they will do on behalf of Georgia agriculture.

Right to Repair

On January 8th, 2023, during the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention in Puerto Rico, AFBF and John Deere signed a memorandum of understanding that ensures farmers' and ranchers' right to repair their own farm equipment. This is a culmination of years of discussions between AFBF and John Deere.

The agreement gives farmers and independent repair facilities the ability to access tools, information, and resources needed to repair John Deere equipment while also protecting the intellectual property rights of John Deere products. "A piece of equipment is a major investment. Farmers must have the freedom to choose where equipment is repaired, or to repair it themselves, to help control costs. The MOU commits John Deere to ensuring farmers and independent repair facilities have access to many of the tools and software needed to grow the food, fuel and fiber America's families rely on," said AFBF president Zippy Duvall.

The MOU sets parameters and creates a mechanism to address concerns. It requires AFBF and John Deere to meet at least twice a year to assess the effectiveness of the MOU. It is the hope of Farm Bureau that this original agreement with John Deere will be a model for other manufactures across the agricultural sector. To read the official MOU click below.

View MOU

2023 Policies Established at the 104th AFBF Convention

Approximately 120 Georgia Farm Bureau leaders traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico for the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention on January 6th. Attendees were able to participate in a full agenda of speakers and informative breakout sessions covering topics including leadership development, policy updates, and farm tours, as well as the business session to vote on policy resolutions for the 2023 AFBF Policy Book.

The great work of our members was also recognized across multiple programs throughout the week. GFB is proud to have received the AFBF Award of Excellence in four different categories--advocacy, engagement & outreach, leadership & business development, and coalitions & partnerships. Additionally, the MycoLogic team, from Kennesaw State University, won the People's Choice Award in the Agriculture Innovation Challenge for their impressive culinary mushroom cultivation process and design. We are also very proud of the success and strong showing by Georgia's representatives in the Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet, Excellence in Ag, and Achievement Award competitions.

GFB is proud to have received the AFBF Award of Excellence in four different categories--advocacy, engagement & outreach, leadership & business development, and coalitions & partnerships.