Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp recently signed Senate Bill 144 into law, which changes the way liability is treated on pesticide use in the state. This move was celebrated by the Modern Ag Alliance, which called it a pivotal victory for Georgia farmers. The group pointed out the bill had bipartisan support in the Georgia Senate (42-12) and House (101-58) and made Georgia the second state after North Dakota to have similar legislation dealing with pesticide liability.
“This is a momentous win for Georgia’s farmers and the agricultural economy,” Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, executive director of the Modern Ag Alliance, said in a news release.
“Thanks to Governor Kemp and the Georgia Legislature, farmers now have greater clarity that the tools they need to maintain our food supply will remain available, and agriculture can continue to thrive as Georgia’s leading industry. This new law adds to the growing momentum for other states to adopt similar legislation and reassert a fundamental principle: science-based crop protection labels are the law.”
Modern Ag Alliance said the signing of the bill into law was made possible by the strong support of Georgia’s agricultural community. According to the group’s Ag Insights Survey, 72% of Georgians, including 94% of farmers, favor science-based policies for crop protection tools.
“This is a major victory for Georgia’s top industry: agriculture,” said Will Bentley, president of the Georgia Agribusiness Council. “By reinforcing science-based regulations for crop protection products, this law provides Georgia’s farmers and agribusiness with the certainty they need to remain competitive and contribute to a strong food and fiber supply chain. We appreciate Governor Kemp and the Georgia Legislature for prioritizing policies that benefit Georgia farmers, agribusinesses and consumers alike.”
Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall added, “Georgia farmers now have greater confidence that crop protection regulations will remain consistent and rooted in sound science. This law safeguards growers’ access to essential inputs for food production and helps sustain Georgia’s agricultural economy. We appreciate the Georgia General Assembly’s leadership and Governor Kemp’s commitment to supporting our state’s farmers.”
Agricultural leaders also highlighted the consumer benefits of the legislation.
“This law allows farmers to sustain their operations with low input costs, keeping fresh, locally grown produce available without further food price increases,” said Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. “Georgia growers work hard to meet demand despite unpredictable challenges, and we applaud Governor Kemp and the Georgia Legislature for supporting policies that allow growers to continue delivering high-quality food to consumers.”
