Agriculture: Our State’s Number One Industry
Friends,
I am proud of efforts in our state to diversify our economy, recognizing Georgia’s global role in manufacturing, technology, freight, logistics, and other important industries.
That said, we should always remember that agriculture remains our state’s largest industry. Growing up and continuing to work on my family’s farm in Effingham County, I’ve long understood the importance of farming to the 159th District’s communities.
But it’s important to realize Georgia’s global impact on agriculture too. Agriculture is a $69 billion industry in Georgia. We are the number one producer of peanuts, poultry, pecans, blueberries, and spring onions; as well, we’re a top producer of cotton, watermelons, peaches, eggs, and many other crops. Our timber producers continue to provide a sustainable resource critical to our personal health and our economic health.
I was proud this week to see Governor Kemp sign two important pieces of legislation into law that are designed to keep our agriculture industry competitive here in Georgia.
HB 545, by Chairman Robert Dickey and Representatives Chas Cannon, John Corbett, Penny Houston, and Trey Rhodes and signed into law by Governor Kemp on April 18th, creates an Agricultural Commodity Commission for Citrus Fruits in Georgia. As an area of Georgia agriculture with great growth potential, this commission will give these growers an opportunity to work together to advance Georgia citrus locally, nationally, and internationally. As a matter of fact, Dayle and I love growing a few satsuma orange trees on our farm in Effingham County.
Also on April 18th, Governor Kemp signed SB 220 into law. The Georgia Farmland Conservation Act was introduced by Senator Russ Goodman of Cogdell and carried in the House by Representative Robert Dickey of Musella.
This legislation creates a farmland conservation trust fund that will support farmland conservation, active farming and food production, and the purchase of agricultural conservation easements to protect farm land for future generations.
Working with Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper of Ocilla, I am hopeful that public sector and private sector contributors to this fund will see positive steps toward the protection of Georgia's number one industry.
Agriculture is an important industry statewide, and I look forward to continuing to work with Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, House Agriculture Chairman Robert Dickey, and House and Senate members from around Georgia to keep our farming communities strong.
Always remember that should you have questions about my work as your Representative or as Speaker of the House, you can always reach out to me at 404.656.5020, Jon.Burns@house.ga.gov, or on Facebook at www.FB.com/JonBurnsGA. If you wish to sign up for my weekly emailed newsletter, visit https://www.friendsofjonburns.com/home to sign up.