Georgia law states that the governor has 40 days from Sine Die to sign or veto bills that passed the legislature during the session. Some of the time, the governor signs bills as a matter of agenda, other times there may be discussion of a veto and there can be tension as the 40 day deadline approaches. This year’s Sine Die was March 29 so the governor still has a few weeks to sign bills before they wither and head back to the legislature for a run at an override next year.
On Tuesday, Gov. Brian Kemp continued his signing of bills by enshrining into law a couple bills aimed at strengthening the state’s number one industry, agriculture. HB 545, sponsored by two General Assembly members from one of Georgia’s largest agricultural producing counties Colquitt County – Rep. Chas Cannon (R-172 Moultrie) and Sen. Sam Watson (R-11 Moultrie), creates an Agricultural Commodity Commission for Citrus Fruits. SB 220, sponsored by Sen. Russ Goodman (R-8 Homerville) and Rep. Robert Dickey (R-140 Musella), creates the Georgia Farmland Conservation Fund.
“I am proud to sign these bills that will boost our state’s citrus production and farmland conservation efforts,” said Kemp. “Georgia is home to a diverse and thriving agricultural sector, and citrus is one of our fastest-growing crops. By establishing this commission, we are ensuring that our citrus growers have the resources and representation they need to succeed in the global market. We are also investing in our rural communities by creating a fund that will provide matching grants to protect the land of farming families from development and preserve our state’s number one industry.”
Kemp pointed out the bipartisan support of each of the bills and in this case, it was very true. Combined, both final versions of the bills only received five total Nay votes. In the House, there were no Nays on either bill.
HB 545’s creation of the Commission for Citrus Fruits is a recognition of changing trends in Georgia agriculture. As the state moves away some from traditional products, other products are gaining planting space, including citrus. And if warming trends continue, citrus may continue to see higher Georgia yields. Florida established its Citrus Commission in 1935 so Georgia’s creation of a similar body will help the state to compete and boost the industry overall. The commission can fund research and education, but perhaps more importantly, promotion and marketing programs.
SB 220 was a bill that got tremendous support from Georgia’s conservation and environmental advocacy community. Agricultural lands are not exactly natural spaces but they act as corridors for wildlife and preserve buffer zones of wilder spaces that would be wiped out with residential or commercial development. Farmers and others in the agricultural industry also are frequent partners with environmental groups on an array of issues, from improved pesticide use to carbon storage programs. SB 220 will help to keep land in the agricultural category, preserving its natural functionality.
“I want to thank Commissioner Tyler Harper and his staff for their leadership and dedication to Georgia’s agriculture industry. I also want to thank Rep. Chas Cannon, Sen. Sam Watson, Chairman Robert Dickey and Chairman Russ Goodman, Rep. John Corbett, Rep. Trey Rhodes, Rep. Penny Houston, Rep. Joe Campbell, and the various advocacy organizations that promote this thriving industry, including the Georgia Citrus Association, for their support and collaboration on these important bills,” said Kemp.
