By Clint Thompson
Georgia’s legislative members with ties to agriculture represent a valuable asset for the state’s fruit and vegetable industries.
It was on display Tuesday as state senators Russ Goodman (R-Cogdell) and Sam Watson (R-Moultrie), and House Rep. Robert Dickey provided updates on the key issues they debated on during this year’s legislative session during a GFVGA webinar.
“I wish it was easier to get things done in Washington D.C. as they are in Atlanta. We can be effective in Atlanta because of that leadership,” said Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). “I think the tie that binds there is, yes, we have fewer and fewer representatives from rural ag-producing communities and more of that representation is going to urban areas, but all of those folks in those urban areas have got to eat. It just so happens we produce a lot of good food here in the state of Georgia.
“Our job is to connect with those new legislators and urban legislators and let them know that fruits and vegetables don’t just come from the back of the SUV or Publix. There was a lot of work that went in to producing those and Georgia is a leading state. We need to make sure we’re taking care of that.”
Pertinent Bills for Specialty Crop Producers
This year’s legislative session include several bills pertinent to Georgia specialty crop producers. This includes the foreign ownership of land, funding for research and soil amendments.
“Certainly, funding for research for the University of Georgia and for other research initiatives is huge. As we look towards automation and mechanization, anything that we can do to make ourselves more efficient and allow our growers to produce more with fewer inputs, there are some really important things there,” Butts said. “I have to touch on H-2A, though it’s a federal issue, we were so pleased with the support that we got out of both chambers in Georgia and their support in urging Congress, USDA and DOL to make some changes to the H-2A program.
“Overall, it was a good session, a lot of good initiatives. We’ve got some federal issues that we’re still trying to tackle, but overall, very pleased.”