GFB News Magazine

View from the Field Summer 2025

by Tom McCall

Posted on June 2, 2025 11:00 PM

From left, Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall & his wife, Jane, visit with First Lady Marty Kemp & Gov. Brian Kemp during GFB Day at the Capitol. / Photo by Logan Thomas

"As the voice of Georgia farmers, we will enhance the quality of life for producers and consumers by being the champion of agriculture. "

This is Georgia Farm Bureau’s (GFB) mission statement, and it is put into action each time our policy team speaks on behalf of producers at the Georgia Capitol during the legislative session. 

All year, GFB’s Public Policy Department is earnestly focused on protecting agriculture from legislation that has the potential to harm the state’s agricultural interests. 

That same team fights on behalf of legislation that will enhance what producers and their farm operations accomplish every day. 

GFB’s team efforts include working to strengthen agriculture by reminding lawmakers that we’re fighting for the producers and their freedom to pursue a lifestyle that provides a safe and abundant food source.    

For instance, we supported Gov. Brian Kemp’s comprehensive and meaningful tort reform proposals that were passed during the session.

The bill, SB 68, pushed by Sen. John Kennedy (R-Macon), included premises liability, seat belt laws, attorney’s fees and an increase in transparency of evidence presented to juries. 

It’s our strongly held belief that lawmakers understood this is a way to get a handle on the legal climate in Georgia and relieve the pressure businesses face from frivolous lawsuits and out-of-control jury verdicts. 

Also, because of GFB’s persistent efforts for Hurricane Helene relief, HB 223, introduced by Rep. James Burchett (R-Waycross), passed and provides tax relief for farmers and foresters recovering from the 2024 devastating storm. 

This will exempt related crop insurance payments from income tax for taxable year 2025, provide a reforestation tax credit for up to $550 per acre for trees used in the production of food or wood, and expand the GATE program until the end of this year to include building materials for poultry houses, livestock barns and greenhouses.

I can’t express how fortunate we are to have a solid relationship with Gov. Kemp, House Ag Chair Robert Dickey and Senate Ag Chair Russ Goodman to get these two important bills passed, along with other positive agriculture legislation. 

Thank you for allowing us to serve alongside each of you to improve Georgia’s agriculture community.