#United States #Georgia #Modern Ag Alliance #Georgia Farmers #SB 144

Georgia Legislature's Approval of SB 144

In a significant move for the agricultural community, the Georgia House recently passed Senate Bill 144, ensuring farmers maintain their access to essential crop protection tools crucial for the nation’s food supply. Receiving a bipartisan vote of 101-58, the bill exemplifies a united front among Georgia lawmakers as they prioritize the state’s agricultural sector amidst ongoing challenges faced by farmers nationwide.

The passage of SB 144 marks a pivotal moment, reinforcing the notion that farmers must have the resources to implement effective farming practices. According to Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, Executive Director of the Modern Ag Alliance, “SB 144 is about protecting the backbone of our food system—America’s farmers.” She emphasized that the legislation sends a strong message to lawmakers across the U.S. about the importance of safeguarding farmers' access to vital resources.

Senate Bill 144 aims to protect farmers from potential legal repercussions related to the use of federally approved pesticides. This legislation ensures that pesticide companies adhering to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations will not face unrelenting lawsuits simply for following the law. Specifically, the bill mandates that any pesticide registered with the EPA meets the necessary state label warning requirements, thereby simplifying compliance for farmers.

The bill has garnered extensive support from various agricultural organizations across Georgia, including the Georgia Agribusiness Council and the Georgia Farm Bureau. These organizations recognize the critical role that crop protection tools play in maintaining high yields and managing farming costs effectively. Such tools are indispensable for crops that form the backbone of Georgia's agricultural economy, including cotton, corn, and soybeans, which contribute significantly to the state's total agricultural output, estimated at $91 billion.

The sentiment among farmers is overwhelmingly positive; a recent Ag Insights Survey by the Modern Ag Alliance revealed that 92% of farmers and 78% of Georgians support preserving access to these essential tools. Notably, support for such legislation is bipartisan, with significant backing from both Republicans and Democrats. This shared prioritization appears to resonate strongly with the public, as many voters wish to see their representatives advocate for the farming community.

Key figures in the Georgia legislation, including Senator Watson and Speaker Burns, have been commended for their leadership in prioritizing the needs of farmers. The Modern Ag Alliance expresses gratitude towards the Georgia legislature for pushing this vital bill to the Governor’s desk, highlighting the unity among lawmakers to support Georgia's agricultural interests.

As SB 144 awaits Governor Kemp's signature, advocates remain hopeful that the bill will soon become law, further cementing Georgia's commitment to protecting the invaluable contributions of its farmers. This legislation not only represents a local victory but sends a powerful message nationally about the necessity of supporting the agricultural sector.

For more information on the Modern Ag Alliance and their advocacy efforts, interested readers can visit MODERNAGALLIANCE.ORG. It is an organization focused on ensuring farmers have the tools needed to maintain a robust and affordable food supply for America.