Georgia Farm Bureau members gather for 87th annual convention

JEKYLL ISLAND – Some 1,421 Georgia farmers and agribusiness leaders from across the state met on Jekyll Island Dec. 8-10 for the 87th annual Georgia Farm Bureau Convention. The three-day event included a trade show, awards presentations and educational sessions that briefed farmers on policy and production issues affecting Georgia’s major commodities.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, and American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall addressed convention delegates during the general session on Dec. 9.

GFB President Tom McCall delivered his annual address, and GFB Chief Administrative Office Jeffrey Harvey gave an update on the Weathered But Strong Hurricane Helene Relief Fund.

The convention’s theme, “Where You Belong,” emphasized the organization’s welcoming nature while marking the 60th time GFB has held its annual meeting on Jekyll Island.

McCall highlighted the organization’s response to Hurricane Helene, noted an updated mission statement, and pledged to continue GFB’s commitment to leadership development and expanding membership. He noted that GFB volunteers from across the state worked to help clear storm debris, provide food for humans and animals, and helped fellow farmers to begin recovering.

“People’s lives will never be the same,” McCall said. “We have to depend on those around us who understand what we do. We have to continue leaning on each other.”

McCall praised efforts to increase membership and pointed out that 87 of GFB’s 158 county chapters increased their membership over the past year.

Kemp discussed the devastating effect Hurricane Helene had on Georgia agriculture and urged Congress to pass disaster relief funding.

“Our top priority this upcoming year will be securing the needed relief for our farmers and communities impacted by the devastation of Hurricane,” the governor said. “This was truly like no storm our state has ever seen, placing the price tag of at least $5.5 billion on the preliminary damage to our agriculture and forestry industries alone.”

To help farmers and timber owners until federal aid is passed, the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission approved redirecting $75 million to the Georgia Development Authority to provide disaster relief loans to farmers hit by Hurricane Helene.

Farm operators who suffered losses from Hurricane Helene and reside in a FEMA-designated disaster area or adjacent county are eligible to apply for up to $500,000 at a 2% fixed interest rate. Eligible uses of these loan funds include income replacement, operating capitol, repairing or replacing damaged farm structures, repairing or replacing damaged equipment, and the purchase of machinery or equipment necessary to recover from hurricane damage. 

Kemp, who has two years remaining in his second term as Georgia’s 83rd governor, outlined action he and state leaders have taken in recent years to support Georgia agriculture.

“We know the success of our state would not be possible without the No. 1 industry in the state, agriculture, in our farming communities,” he said. “This industry touches every aspect of the economy, and by its extension, every aspect of our own lives. That’s why ensuring this industry has the tools that it needs for success is always one of our top priorities.”

Harper discussed the tough year farmers were having before Hurricane Helene hit and the emotional impact the storm has had on Georgia farmers.

“Many farmers experienced a wet spring that led to late plantings or having to replant crops,” he said. “Then it got really dry. We’ve got an ag economy that’s hurting from low commodity prices and high-input costs and a national ag trade deficit. Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby have had a multigenerational impact that will take years to recover from. Almost a third of Georgia’s agricultural economic output was wiped out in one year.”

Harper encouraged farmers negatively affected by the storms to reach out to friends or take advantage of mental health resources offered by the Georgia Department of Behavioral & Developmental Disabilities. 

“There’s a lot of uncertainty right now, and it can take a toll on even the strongest of individuals,” he said. “That’s why it’s important to be checking on each other.”

He said the suicide rate among U.S. farmers is second only to U.S. veterans.

Harvey encouraged farmers who suffered losses from Hurricane Helene to apply by midnight Dec. 31 to be considered for money the Weathered But Strong Georgia Hurricane Relief fund will begin distributing in February.

All farming operations impacted by Hurricane Helene may apply, but priority will be given to farmers in counties declared to be in a disaster zone. Eligible farmers must hold a current, valid GATE card number issued through the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Farmers must submit their applications online through the Support Georgia Farmers website.

The relief fund was established by the Georgia Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and with support from more than 40 agricultural partners. The fund aims to raise $1.5 million by Dec. 31 to provide direct financial aid to farmers impacted by the storm.

“Generations of hard work were gone overnight and, unfortunately, many of you experienced that,” Harvey said. “There’s never a good time for a storm like this, but Helene could not have come in a worst possible time considering our already shaky agricultural economy.”

Duvall said AFBF will continue to push Congress to pass a new farm bill and noted analysis showing that without a new farm bill, between 20% and 25% of producers nationwide won’t get operating loans for 2025.

“They have to give us an economic package, because we don’t farm in 2018 anymore,” Duvall said referring to the last year Congress passed a farm bill.

The biggest issue facing American agriculture, Duvall said, is finding agricultural labor. He said the U.S. food system allows American citizens to be free because the nation does not have to depend on imported food sources.

“Everywhere I go, farmers tell me, ‘I can’t find any labor. I want to expand. My child wants to come home from college and go into business with me,’” he said. “We’ve got to have a modernized guest worker program that is fair for farmers and to the people who come here to work for us, and one we can afford to pay for.”

Duvall emphasized the role county Farm Bureau presidents play, saying that they, along with county boards of directors, are the organization’s true value and strength.

“We accomplish what we accomplish because of what you do, which is so vitally important,” he said of county presidents. “It is the most foundational position in this organization.”