Sen. John Wilkinson (R –Toccoa) and Rep. Tom McCall (R – Elberton) co-hosted the Joint Agriculture Committee Chairmen Ag Issues Summit on August 23, 2018, at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry, Georgia.

“Agriculture is an integral part of Georgia’s past, present and future,” said Sen. Wilkinson. “It’s important for our citizens to understand that agriculture is so much more than just the number one industry in Georgia, it’s the food we eat, clothes we wear and jobs for thousands of Georgians. We are here today to better understand how we can help make farming and agribusiness practices easier for those who work in the industry crafting legislation around some of the most pressing issues these people face – from Rural Georgia to the Water Wars to changes to the GATE Card program. I am thankful these industry professionals had a chance to present on these topics and together, we will work to continue to make Georgia the most ag-friendly state in the nation.”

Members of the Senate and House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committees were in attendance, as well as other stakeholders including educators, agribusiness and agritourism representatives, and farmers. This year, the annual Ag Issues Summit featured Jud Turner, an Attorney with Gilbert and Harrell Law Firm, who gave an update on the Water Wars, Deputy Commissioner for Rural Georgia Amy Carter and ABAC President Dr. David Bridges who spoke on the Georgia Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation, Ben Lastly, Executive Director of Georgia FFA, and Legislative Director of the Georgia Department of Agriculture Bo Warren who spoke on changes to the GATE program. Lastly, the attendees were given a brief wrap up of progress in Georgia agriculture over the past year by Department of Agriculture Commissioner, Gary Black.