Ag News
Lynn Smith receives 2026 GFB Commodity Award
Posted on Aug 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM
For Immediate Release
Contact: Alex Bradford
Aug. 14, 2026
478-474-0679, ext. 5287
atbradford@gfb.org
Lynn Smith receives 2026 GFB Commodity Award
MACON, Ga. – Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) presented Rep. Lynn Smith its 2026 GFB Commodity Award during the annual GFB Commodity Conference held Aug. 13 at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center.
The GFB Commodity Award, one of the organization’s highest honors, is given to individuals who have supported and promoted Georgia agriculture. The GFB Board of Directors selects the award recipient from nominees submitted by the organization’s commodity advisory committees.
“Lynn always kept the interest of farmers’ success in the forefront of policy decision that came before her committee,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “Her leadership and passion for Georgia and the state’s invaluable and varied natural resources will be carried into the future for generations to come.”
A Florida native, Smith is a University of Georgia graduate, a former educator, business owner who completed her 30th year in the Georgia House of Representatives earlier this year representing Georgia District 70.
Since being elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1996, Smith has been a trusted champion for Georgia’s farmers, foresters, and rural communities. She served as chairwoman of the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee beginning in 2005. During her tenure, she led efforts to protect Georgia’s natural resources while supporting the continued growth of the state’s agricultural economy.
Smith helped establish Georgia’s regional water planning framework. Beginning with the Flint River Drought Protection Act and legislation introduced in 2002 and culminating in the successful implementation of regional water planning in 2008, she helped create what she described as “the bridge” that provided state agencies with the tools needed to develop long-term, science-based water management solutions for Georgia’s future. During her three decades in the House, she also served on the Appropriations, Rules, and Reapportionment committees.
In addition to her service in the Georgia House, Smith served as chair of the Southern Legislative conference Energy and Environment Committee and is a member of the Southern States Energy Board.
After earning her degree from UGA in 1968, Smith worked as a teacher, including a stint at Newnan High School, where she taught French, history and civics. She and her late husband, Charles, were married more than 52 years. A master gardener, Smith lives in Newnan, attends Central Baptist Church and enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Founded in 1937, Georgia Farm Bureau is the state’s largest general farm organization and has 158 county offices. Its volunteer members actively participate in local, state and national activities that promote agriculture awareness to their non-farming neighbors. GFB offers its members a wide variety of benefits, including insurance, but enrollment in any of the member benefits is optional and not a requirement for membership.
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Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall, right, and his wife, Jane, left, present Rep. Lynn Smith with the 2026 Georgia Farm Bureau Commodity Award during the organization’s annual commodity conference held Aug. 13 in Tifton. (Photo courtesy of Georgia Farm Bureau)
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