Today in Canton, Rick Jackson, the Republican nominee for Governor of Georgia, was joined by farmers at Cagle Farms to unveil the "Georgia Grown, Georgia Strong" action plan to support agriculture, Georgia's number one industry, and the families who feed our state.
What are the main objectives of the Georgia Grown, Georgia Strong action plan? Under this proposal, Jackson would work to lower fuel costs, increase access to cost-effective capital, and reinforce Georgia’s agricultural supply chain network.
The Republican candidate would first accomplish these goals by protecting the Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE) and the relief it provides Georgia producers. This would also involve suspending the state gas tax, including the tax on diesel, to lower fuel and transportation costs.
What key figures had to say:
- Rick Jackson: “Every meal on a family's table begins with a farmer. But too often, the farmer is the first person asked to carry the risk and the last person remembered when government makes decisions. Georgia farmers have a record of hard work, resilience, stewardship, and faith, and my commitment is that state government will meet that character with action. Together, we will keep Georgia grown and Georgia strong.”
- Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper: “Georgia farmers feed our state and our nation, and they deserve a Governor who works just as hard for them as they do for US. Rick Jackson is committed to addressing the challenges facing our state’s farmers and producers and this plan is proof of that commitment. I look forward to our work together to strengthen Georgia’s #1 industry and support the farm families who fuel its success.”
How else would Jackson carry out this plan? As governor, he would then incentivize domestic agricultural industries to lower their input costs by establishing a co-op model for meat-cutting, fruit and vegetable processing, and cold storage.
He would also incentivize them to create first-of-their-kind processing centers to reduce the loss of fresh produce and bring Georgia products to market at less expense.
