Georgia Farm Bureau's Leadership Alert - March 24, 2010

March 24, 2010

www.gfb.org

Vol. 28 No. 12

BIG CROWDS, AWARDS HIGHLIGHT AG AWARENESS DAY More than 1,000 people from around the state visited the Georgia Depot in Atlanta on March 16 in celebration of Georgia agriculture on Ag Awareness Day, part of National Agriculture Awareness Week.

Visitors had the opportunity to learn about dozens of Georgia agricultural commodities and initiatives, as well as tasting samples of food from many of the state’s regions and products, from barbecued goat to vegetable pizza to peach cobbler. Winners of the 2010 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards and the Flavor of Georgia contest were also announced.

GFB President Zippy Duvall said he hoped some seeds were planted for the next generation of farmers.

“The exposure we get from the media coverage of this event is great,” said Duvall, “but there were 500 or 600 kids here that got to see and touch and feel things that are grown in Georgia and they might not have realized those things are produced here.

Hopefully this will spark some interest with some of them of going into agriculture.”

The event, started by Gov. Sonny Perdue during his first term, was designed to emphasize products grown in Georgia and to create interest in the state’s largest industry.

Some of Perdue’s friends had his first tractor refurbished and presented it to him in appreciation for his dedication to agricultural causes.

Dotting the crowd were the green coats of 4-Hers and blue coats of FFA students from around the state, along with lots of red and black from various UGA agricultural programs.

Keyboardist Chuck Leavell, a noted conservationist who has played with the Allman Brothers Band, the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and many other famous music groups, helped present the Environmental Stewardship Awards.

Jamie and Kelly Jordan’s Riverbend Farm in Floyd County was the District 1 winner.

The District 2 winner was Keith and Tricia Nichols’ Oak Valley Farm in Stephens County. Earl and Wanda Barrs’ Gully Branch Farm won in District 3, Stanley and Angie Corbett of Echols County won the District 4 award and Coffee’s Wayne and Lynn McKinnon won in District 5. The Barrs won the statewide award.

The Savannah Bee Company won the overall prize in the 2010 Flavor of Georgia contest for its Grill Honey with No Drip Pump. The Flavor of Georgia category winners were presented plaques by Paula Deen’s sons, Jamie and Bobby Deen from the Food Network show “Road Tasted.”

Leadership Alert page 2 of 4 DUVALL WRITES BOARD OF REGENTS REGARDING BUDGET PROPOSALS Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall has sent letters to University System of Georgia Chancellor Erroll Davis and to all members of the Board of Regents urging them to refrain from carrying out the proposed cuts to 4-H, the Cooperative Extension Service and ag research facilities that Davis presented to the Georgia House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Higher Education.

Davis submitted a proposal outlining an additional $300 million in cuts to the University System of Georgia’s FY 2011 budget on top of the $245 million in cuts Gov. Sonny Perdue included in his FY 2011 budget at the request of the appropriations subcommittees.

Duvall protested the unfair balance of cuts to agricultural programs, pointing out that of the $59 million in proposed cuts at the University of Georgia, more than 24 percent ($14.4 million) would come from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), one of 16 schools and colleges that form UGA. “We want to make sure any reduction is truly fair and equitable. The CAES should not be singled out for more cuts than other institutions,” Duvall wrote.

Noting that agriculture had a $65 billion impact on Georgia’s economy and accounted for more than 351,000 Georgia jobs in 2008, Duvall stressed the importance of continuing the education and research projects the CAES oversees so that Georgia’s largest industry can continue to thrive. He also voiced Georgia Farm Bureau's support of 4-H calling it an “investment for the future.”

In an interview with GFB media staff this week, CAES Dean Dr. Scott Angle said he expects cuts, but hopefully not as severe as those most recently proposed.

“I think we will probably escape the extreme cuts that were proposed, but we are looking at budget cuts,” Angle said. “If we go with the governor’s recommendation, I think we’ll end up with about 22 percent cuts over a two year period.”

Angle cautioned that all budget decisions are up in the air until this session of the legislature ends and said the ag community needs to continue voicing concerns about potential cuts.

In related news, a group of Georgia legislators has submitted HR 1590, which proposes removing Georgia’s colleges of agriculture, including the Cooperative Extension Service and the 4-H program, from the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents and placing them under the authority of the Georgia Department of Agriculture. To become law, the measure would have to be approved by two-thirds of the General Assembly, then approved by Georgia voters in November.

GEORGIA COTTON COMMISSION REFERENDUM PASSES Georgia cotton producers extended the Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) for three years by a 92 percent vote during a referendum held Feb. 4 through March 5.

The GCC, created in 1965, works closely with the National Cotton Council and the Southern Cotton Growers to facilitate research and promotion of Georgia’s largest crop.

“We appreciate the strong vote of confidence by our fellow producers and pledge to continue to focus on the challenges facing our industry,” said GCC Chairman Louie Perry.

Leadership Alert page 3 of 4

GFB YOUNG FARMERS VISIT WASHINGTON A group of 29 Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers from 16 counties traveled to Washington, D.C., March 9-12 for the annual Young Farmers Trip to Washington. The group included row crop, poultry, cattle, horticulture and vegetable producers and two members of the Farm Bureau Collegiate Chapter at UGA. Prior to their visit to Capitol Hill, the group met with American Farm Bureau staff members who briefed them on key issues.

The young farmers visited with Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson. Each young farmer also visited with his/her U.S. representative. As they met with their congressmen, the young farmers discussed the Clean Water Act, federal estate taxes, immigration and climate change.

“This year’s trip was a great success,” said GFB Young Farmer Chairman Matt Bottoms. “Our group’s voice was heard by our elected officials, and our message was well received.”

GFB President Zippy Duvall addressed the group during a breakfast meeting, telling the young farmers about the ways they can become involved with their county Farm Bureau.

“Do not underestimate yourself. You have the potential to grow and become the leaders who will lead our organization in the future,” Duvall said.

OBAMA SIGNS HEALTH CARE BILL INTO LAW In a move opposed by many farmers who believe they’ll face both tax hikes and increases in the cost of providing health insurance to their employees, President Barack Obama signed HR 4872, the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010 into law on March 23.

The bill was passed by the U.S. House Sunday night by a 219-212 vote. Georgia representatives David Scott, Sanford Bishop, John Lewis and Hank Johnson, all Democrats, voted for it.

HR 4872 was designed to reconcile previous House health care legislation with a bill that passed the Senate in December. Though Obama signed it into law, the Senate must still carry out its portion of the reconciliation process. Senators can raise points of order on provisions that do not have budget impact and can offer an unlimited number of amendments, which could delay passage.

Last week, Farm Bureau urged Congressmen to vote against HR 4872, saying it carried new taxes, mandates, growth of government programs and an overall cost that outweighs its benefits.

The battle over health care change will continue as published reports indicate that after Obama signed it attorneys general in 13 states filed a combined federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the legislation. In a separate action, Virginia filed its own suit.

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue expressed concerns Monday about the impact the legislation will have on the state budget. Rep. Bishop sent Perdue a letter Tuesday rebutting those concerns. Perdue said he is reviewing legal options to challenge the passing of HR 4872 and has asked Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker to review it.

It is unclear what action will be taken by Baker, a Democrat who is running for governor.

Leadership Alert page 4 of 4 UPCOMING EVENTS FDA PUBLIC MEETING ON PRODUCE SAFETY March 25 UGA Tifton Conference Center 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tifton Fruit and vegetable growers are encouraged to attend this meeting, to give input on the nationwide safety standards the Food and Drug Administration is establishing for growing, harvesting and packing fresh fruits and vegetables. Topics will include worker health and hygiene, composting, wildlife/environmental concerns and water quality. For more information contact the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association at 1-877-994-3842 or send an email to producesafety@georgetown.edu or call 202-687-2976.

GEORGIA TOBACCO COMMISSION REFERENDUM Ballots must be returned by March 25 Georgia tobacco producers are urged to vote in the referendum for the Georgia Tobacco Commission as required every three years by state law. If you are a tobacco producer and did not receive a ballot, contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture Commodities Promotion Division at 1-800-282-5852.

TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY RAISING FUNDS FOR 4-H March 26 - April 18 Any TSC store nationwide Support your local 4-H program by buying a paper 4-H clover for $1 when you check out at any Tractor Supply store. All funds raised during the TSC Paper Clover Campaign will be donated to 4-H to support camps, after-school programs and other 4-H activities.

PEANUT PROUD FESTIVAL March 27 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Downtown Square Blakely Join the fun with a 5K Run, peanut parade, food vendors, recipe contest, educational exhibits, antique farm equipment display, arts and crafts and speeches by Georgia’s 2010 gubernatorial candidates. For information, call 229-723-2802 or visit www.peanutproud.com.

GFB PREMISE LIABILITY WORKSHOP March 30 GFB Home Office 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Macon This free workshop will provide a general outline of premise law, how to recognize and limit liability problems, different types of insurance coverage and what to do in the event of an accident. Please RSVP

by March 26 by calling 800-342-1196 or emailing btashley@gfb.org.

GEORGIA CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION CONVENTION & BEEF EXPO April 1 - 3 Georgia National Agricenter & Fairgrounds Perry Event includes a variety of breeds on display, several cattle sales, a trade show with vendors and educational information. For more information, contact the Georgia Cattlemen's Association office at 478-474-6560 or visit www.gabeef.org.

UGA HAY PRODUCTION SCHOOL April 8-9 Sunbelt Ag Expo Site Moultrie School begins at 8:30 a.m. on April 8 and ends with lunch on April 9. Registration is $75 per person and $35 for each extra person from the same farm. Anyone who produces cattle in Georgia or is a member of the Perennial Peanut Growers’ Association will receive $50 off the registration fee if they register

by March 31. Call your local Extension office at 1-800-ASK-UGA1 or visit www.georgiaforages.com for more information and to register.

DON’T FORGET TO RETURN YOUR 2010 U.S. CENSUS FORM BY APRIL 1! Households that don’t return the form will be visited by a census worker, which costs taxpayers an estimated $30 per visit. Communities lose up to $1,700 in federal funding for each household that is not counted.