Georgia Farm Bureau members will soon visit the Georgia coast to settle on the organization’s focus for next year, celebrate their achievements and get a glimpse of what’s on the horizon for the state’s largest economic sector. The 82nd Annual GFB Convention takes place Dec. 8-10 on Jekyll Island.

 “There are always challenges for our farmers and ranchers to overcome, but they keep pushing, trying to find better ways to provide basic necessities that make modern American life possible,” said GFB President Gerald Long, who will give his annual address on Dec. 9 during the morning general session. “Our convention fulfills a similar function – to look for better ways to help Georgia’s farmers and ranchers thrive. It’s our members’ chance to renew long-time friendships, get updates on ag issues and determine the positions our organization will take next year on things that affect their farms and rural communities.”

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black will also address convention attendees during the general session on Dec. 9 between 8:15 a.m. and noon. Black, who first took office in 2011, has been a key voice in the effort to get federal and state disaster assistance for farmers still working to recover from Hurricane Michael.

Convention activities begin at 10 a.m. on Dec. 8 at the Jekyll Island Convention Center. Sunday events include a trade show with more than 50 exhibitors from many of Georgia’s agricultural organizations and agencies, and a reception showcasing GFB’s Certified Farm Markets. During the Celebrating Ag Leaders event, GFB will recognize agricultural advocacy efforts by county Farm Bureaus and teachers’ work to include agriculture in their lessons through the Ag in the Classroom program. The first day of the convention will close with a memorial service at 4:30 p.m.

On Dec. 9, the general session runs from 8:15 a.m. to noon. The convention trade show will be open from 9 a.m. until noon. The commodity conferences, featuring speakers who will address management and policy issues for the major commodities grown in Georgia, will be held at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Topics include Georgia right-to-farm legislation, details on producing industrial hemp, peanuts, cotton, poultry and many other Georgia crops and livestock.

On Dec. 10, GFB voting delegates will meet at 8:15 a.m. to discuss and approve policy resolutions submitted by county Farm Bureau chapters statewide. The resolutions approved by the delegates will become the organization’s official policy that will guide its legislative efforts in 2020. Delegates will also elect the 2020 GFB Board of Directors.