Special to the Herald
ATLANTA — The Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands, chaired by Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro), has adopted its final report, offering key recommendations to support and preserve Georgia’s farmland.
Created by Senate Resolution 470 during the 2024 Legislative Session, the committee explored strategies to address the challenges facing Georgia’s agricultural sector, with input from experts in agricultural economics, tax policy, land management, and environmental law.
Committee members met across the state to gather insights and feedback over the course of four meetings. Meetings were held in Statesboro, Clarkesville, Moultrie, Cedartown, and Atlanta, focusing on topics such as conservation use valuation assessment (CUVA), alternative siting for solar farming, disaster relief, and farmland preservation policy.
“These findings are the culmination of nearly four months of valuable discussions and input from Georgia’s farming community,” said Sen. Hickman. “Our recommendations aim to ensure that Georgia’s farmland, the backbone of our economy and culture, is preserved for future generations. We must continue to invest in rural communities, provide critical disaster relief and support farmers by reducing tax burdens and expanding opportunities for education and workforce development. I’m grateful to the committee members, legislative staff and the many experts and community members who contributed to this effort.”
Some of the key findings and recommendations from the committee include:
- Expanding efforts to relieve tax burdens on farmers and farm communities to make farming financially viable across all regions of Georgia.
- Establishing a state-level disaster relief package for farm and rural communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
- Advocating for a federal Farm Bill that incentivizes farmland conservation.
- Increasing state investments in workforce development initiatives to support rural Georgia’s future.
- Supporting opportunities for farm-based education in school systems statewide.
- Expanding rural veterinary services to bolster cattle, dairy and equine operations.
