Ochlocknee, Ga. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is launching a push to strengthen Georgia’s citrus industry.
Ossoff is meeting with farmers and growers from key agricultural industries this week, as Congress continues to discuss this year’s Farm Bill, legislation that includes key programs, such as agricultural research, crop insurance, commodity pricing and more.
Ossoff heard directly from citrus growers in Ochlocknee on Monday about the needs of their growing industry and how he can best fight for them in the Senate.
“I’m here to make sure that Georgia’s fast-growing citrus sector is represented as we take up the Farm Bill in the Senate,” Sen. Ossoff said. “I’ll be returning to the Senate now with a very precise understanding of Georgia citrus growers’ needs in terms of research, facilities and other forms of support.”
Ossoff and the group discussed key industry needs — including shoring-up supply chains, expanding facilities to keep up with growing demand, and strengthening research on diseases and pests that pose a unique threat to the citrus industry.
Ossoff was instrumental in pecan tariffs into India being reduced significantly. In January, following Sen. Ossoff’s months-long behind-the-scenes push, the Republic of India announced a major 70% cut to tariffs on U.S. pecan exports, a big win for Georgia’s pecan farmers.
He has also been working to open more international markets for Georgia’s farmers and growers to export more products.
Ossoff and Senator Reverend Warnock also recently urged President Biden and the Department of Agriculture to prioritize boosted funding to protect Georgia’s poultry industry from avian flu outbreaks.