GFB News Magazine

All politics are local; GFB ensures your voice is heard

by Alex Bradford

Posted on November 16, 2025 6:12 PM

In today’s political climate, voters often feel lost in the shuffle, wondering if those elected to represent them understand the issues they face. For elected officials, it can be difficult to manage competing priorities and act before attention shifts. Timing is important to achieve results. With the right messaging, focus, and strategy, the opportunity for change can be created. 

Georgia Farm Bureau strives to facilitate opportunities for policy change. Our greatest asset is our members, and that is where change begins. Each year, GFB members have the chance to participate in our policy development process, which establishes our positions on issues. 

These policies are submitted by our county Farm Bureaus and our GFB Commodity Advisory Committees. The GFB Policy Development Committee reviews and refines the submitted policy, which is debated and approved by GFB voting delegates at our annual convention. This process ensures GFB’s policy positions reflect agriculture’s ever-evolving needs.

There are few truly grassroots organizations, and none more effective in unifying behind a common goal than GFB. While GFB has staff at the state and national capitols advocating for its policies, success depends on our member engagement. Although GFB’s Public Policy, Public Relations, and Field Services staff help coordinate these efforts, it is the work of our county leaders, state directors, advisory committees, YF&R and Women’s Leadership Committee who implement change through their advocacy. 

This is why GFB invests in developing future ag leaders by supporting FFA and 4-H, the Sunbelt Expo Advocacy in Action contest, collegiate YF&R chapters, and our newly launched Leadership GFB program.

As we approach the 2026 legislative session and a significant election year, GFB encourages members to engage with candidates to ensure they know our priorities. Whether it is attending campaign events, inviting candidates to your farm or county meeting, or sending an email through the GFB Action Center on our website, now is the time to make your voice heard.

GFB is committed to maximizing our members’ advocacy efforts. In 2026, GFB will host numerous events to help you interact with your legislators. On Feb. 10, please join us in Atlanta for Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol. In March and April, county leaders and YF&R members will participate in fly-ins to D.C. In the spring, we will host regional County Voices, Capitol Choices events to bring candidates together with members statewide. 

We encourage you to attend these events, read our weekly legislative reports and engage with those who want to represent you.

There is the potential for significant political change next year and the ability for your voice to guide agriculture’s future through policy and those you elect. The key to cultivating success for the future of agriculture is you. 

Alex Bradford is director of the GFB Public Policy Department. He may be reached at 478-474-0679, ext. 5287 or atbradford@gfb.org. 

Photo by Logan Thomas