WASHINGTON, D.C. – Georgia farmers and agriculture industry leaders are applauding committee passage of the 2018 farm bill. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA) helped craft the bipartisan plan and secured a number of provisions important to Georgia. The farm bill now heads to the Senate floor for a vote.
Georgia Agribusiness Council: “Having a bipartisan farm bill advance in the Senate gives great hope for a struggling, complicated agriculture industry. There is much to celebrate in the provisions of this legislation. These benefits will support not only our farmers, but the rural communities that rely on their determination and sustainability. We thank Senator Perdue for acting on the needs of this vital industry.” – Bryan Tolar, president, Georgia Agribusiness Council
Georgia Cotton Commission: “We in Georgia agriculture thank Senator Perdue for his leadership on moving the farm bill forward. While this bill is not perfect with cotton funding reduced, if it passes, it will allow for farmers like me to go forward and make long-term plans for the future of our small businesses. The stability this bill gives farmers will also help our struggling rural communities.” – Bart Davis, chairman, Georgia Cotton Commission
Georgia Department of Agriculture: “Farmers need certainty. There are several aspects of this committee-passed farm bill that will give them that assurance, and perhaps the process of finding some common ground with America’s farm policy will contribute to progress in meeting other challenges facing the nation as well.” – Commissioner Gary W. Black, Georgia Department of Agriculture
Georgia Forestry Association: “With the inclusion of provisions such as the ‘Timber Innovation Act’ and the ‘Working Lands for Wildlife’ voluntary species conservation program, the Senate farm bill’s commitment to Georgia’s 450,000 private forest landowners is clear. We applaud the leadership of Senator Perdue and the entire Senate Agriculture Committee for delivering a bill that moves the needle forward on protection of private property rights and the creation of new markets for forest products among the myriad of other competing priorities sought for this bill.” – Andres Villegas, president and CEO, Georgia Forestry Association
Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association: “Georgia’s fruit and vegetable industry is pleased the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee has passed bipartisan legislation moving the 2018 farm bill forward. Senator David Perdue’s service on the Agriculture Committee played a critical role in assuring our specialty crop producers had a voice during the drafting of the farm bill legislation. Senator Perdue hosted a separate specialty crop and research listening session in Tifton, Georgia, earlier this year, to hear directly from our leadership about how the farm bill relates to our industry. These top specialty crop provisions were included in the legislation. We are very grateful for his leadership on our issues of importance.” – Charles Hall, executive director, Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association
Georgia Peanut Commission: “We are very pleased the bill is moving forward. This is a good farm bill for all peanut regions and segments of the peanut industry. The bipartisan vote in support of the farm bill is indicative of committee leadership working together. Without representation on the Agriculture Committee, it would be difficult for our voices to be heard.” – Armond Morris, chairman, Georgia Peanut Commission
Fort Valley State University: “I am very pleased that there are several 1890 University priorities included in the Senate farm bill legislation that will directly benefit the Fort Valley State University (FVSU) community. The 1890 student scholarship in agriculture program that Senator Perdue helped spearhead in the Senate will help dozens of students each year achieve their dreams of going to college. In addition, the new 1890 Centers of Excellence initiative is one that I am particularly excited about for FVSU and our student and faculty research efforts. I want to thank Senator Perdue and our Georgia delegation for putting the educational and agricultural needs of Georgia’s universities first.” – Paul Jones, president, Fort Valley State University
Southern Cotton Growers, Inc.: “We greatly appreciate Senator Perdue and the Committee as a whole for their bipartisan approach in delivering a farm bill in an expeditious manner. We also thank Senator Perdue for his leadership in fighting back damaging amendments and preserving the safety net for cotton and other southern commodities.” – David Ruppenicker, CEO, Southern Cotton Growers, Inc.
American Peanut Shellers Association: “The state of Georgia grows and shells more peanuts than any other state in the United States. That growing and shelling combined with related services and product manufacturing supplies a huge economic benefit to the state as well as employment for thousands of Georgians. Historically, farm bills have not passed Congress by the expiration of the existing farm bill, and extensions have been necessary. We applaud Senator Perdue as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee for his efforts in passing this new strong farm bill through committee and on its way to the floor of the Senate before the expiration of the current farm bill.” – John T. Powell, executive director, American Peanut Shellers Association