Ag News

Georgia Ag Committee chairmen to hold Ag Issues Summit

Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell), chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, and Rep. Robert Dickey (R–Musella), chairman of the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, will host the annual Joint Ag Issues Summit on Aug. 20, at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry. The summit will also serve as the inaugural meeting of the Joint Study Committee on Generational Sustainability of Family Farms.

Each year, the Ag Issues Summit brings together lawmakers, agriculture leaders and members of Georgia’s agriculture community to discuss the issues shaping the future of the state’s number one economic sector. This year’s event will launch the work of the joint study committee, established by House Resolution 1416 during the 2026 legislative session, to examine the economic challenges facing family farms and identify policies to help preserve Georgia’s agricultural heritage for future generations.

“This summit has always been about bringing the people who feed and clothe our state back to the table so we can hear directly from them about the challenges they’re facing,” Goodman said. “Chairman Dickey and I are both farmers. We understand that family farms are navigating rising costs, workforce shortages, market uncertainty, and other challenges. The creation of this study committee reflects our commitment to listening to producers, learning from industry experts and developing practical, long-term solutions to keep Georgia’s family farms strong for generations to come.”

“Georgia agriculture has always been built on the strength of family farms, and preserving that legacy requires us to plan for the future,” Dickey said. “The Ag Issues Summit provides an opportunity for farmers, lawmakers and industry leaders to come together, exchange ideas and help shape policies that strengthen our agricultural economy. I’m proud to join Chairman Goodman in launching this important study committee as we work to ensure family farms continue to thrive across Georgia.”

The Joint Study Committee on the Generational Sustainability of Family Farms will examine the conditions and challenges facing Georgia’s family farms and recommend legislative solutions to strengthen existing markets, prepare the next generation of farmers and address the long-term sustainability of the state’s agricultural economy. Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell) and Rep. Robert Dickey (R–Musella) will serve as co-chairs. Senate members appointed to the committee include Sen. Drew Echols (R–Alto), Sen. Freddie Powell Sims (D–Dawson) and Sen. Sam Watson (R–Moultrie). House members include Rep. Jaclyn Ford (R–Tifton), Rep. David Huddleston (R–Roopville) and Rep. Angie O'Steen (R–Ambrose), along with Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.

The summit will be held in the Miller Murphy Howard Building, located at 401 Larry Walker Parkway in Perry. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., and the official program will begin at 9:30 a.m. Coffee and lunch will be provided. A detailed agenda will be released in the coming weeks.

This event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by emailing Sarah.Tauchert@senate.ga.gov by Aug. 14 for an accurate meal count.

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