Walker: Standing with Georgia Farmers Through Every Season

By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R-Perry)

There's something special about Fall in Middle Georgia. The fields are busy with harvest, the weather finally begins to cool and families from across the state have made their way to Perry for the Georgia National Fair.

As someone who has called this community home my entire life, there are few things that make me prouder than seeing Georgians celebrate the traditions and industries that make our state special. The Georgia National Fair reminds us of the generations of hardworking men and women who built our agricultural heritage.

Agriculture has always been at the heart of Georgia's identity. From poultry and cattle operations to cotton fields, pecan orchards and timberlands, Georgia farmers contribute billions to our economy and support jobs across the state. Behind those numbers are families who rise before the sun, work long after it sets and dedicate their lives to producing the food and fiber we depend on.

Today's producers face challenges extending well beyond the fields. Rising production costs, unpredictable commodity markets, labor shortages and severe weather threaten even the most established operations. With farmers operating on tight margins, every dollar matters. Whether you're fueling equipment or transporting crops and livestock, energy costs affect nearly every aspect of agricultural production. When those costs rise, the pressure extends into surrounding rural communities.

That's why providing relief from rising costs remains a priority for state leaders.

Georgia's Republican leadership has worked to address these pressures through temporary measures to lower transportation costs and give agricultural producers greater flexibility. In September, the state suspended its motor fuel tax, temporarily lifted state weight restrictions on commercial vehicles and later waived penalties for the on-road use of dyed diesel during the declared emergency.

For farmers, these measures have practical implications. Lower fuel taxes can reduce the cost of hauling crops, livestock and agricultural supplies, while temporary flexibility in commercial vehicle weight restrictions can help producers transport larger loads more efficiently. Allowing the on-road use of dyed diesel without state penalties during the emergency also provides additional flexibility for agricultural operations that rely on diesel-powered equipment and vehicles.

The motor fuel tax suspension has since been extended through November 30, continuing relief from the state's 33.3-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax and 37.3-cent-per-gallon diesel tax. According to AAA figures cited by the Governor's Office this month, Georgia's average gasoline price was approximately 63 cents below the national average, while diesel prices were roughly 61 cents below the national average.

These actions cannot eliminate every financial challenge facing our farmers, but they illustrate how targeted, temporary relief can help agricultural producers maintain operations and keep Georgia-grown products moving to market.

Across Georgia, farmland that has remained in the same family for decades is facing new pressures. As our state continues to grow, expanding development and rising property values are changing the landscape of rural communities. For families who have spent generations working the same land, maintaining a successful agricultural operation can become increasingly difficult.

This November, Georgia voters will consider Amendment 1 to the Georgia Constitution, which would expand the acreage eligible for property tax assessment under the state's Conservation Use Valuation Assessment program from 2,000 to 4,000 acres. The proposal is part of a broader conversation about how our state can balance continued growth with the long-term needs of its agricultural communities.

These are important considerations because agriculture represents more than an economic contribution. Our farms and timberlands help sustain a reliable domestic food supply, support rural employment and provide opportunities for future generations to build their livelihoods here at home.

When a family farm succeeds, that success reaches local equipment dealers, feed suppliers, small businesses and countless others whose livelihoods depend on agriculture. When agricultural land is taken out of production, the effects extend well beyond the property itself.

As another harvest season unfolds, I hope we remember the people behind Georgia's agricultural success. Their hard work has helped shape the communities we call home and continues to sustain an industry that touches every Georgian's life. The strength of Georgia agriculture has always rested with the people who work the land. Our responsibility is to ensure future generations have the opportunity to do the same.

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Sen. Larry Walker III serves as President Pro Tempore of the Senate. He represents the 20^th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen and Wilcox counties, as well as a portion of Houston County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at [email protected].

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