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Agriculture is Georgia’s No. 1 industry. And every year state lawmakers, industry leaders and members throughout Georgia’s farming community gather to discuss the issues shaping the future of the state’s number one industry at the Ag Issues Summit.

This year’s event – set for August 20 in Perry – will also serve as the inaugural meeting of the Joint Study Committee on Generational Sustainability of Family Farms. The committee was established by House Resolution 1416 during the 2026 legislative session, to examine the economic challenges facing family farms and identify policies to help preserve Georgia’s agricultural heritage for future generations.

Rep. Robert Dickey, R-Musella, chairman of the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, and Sen. Russ Goodman, R-Cogdell, chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, will host the annual Ag Issues Summit.

“Georgia agriculture has always been built on the strength of family farms and preserving that legacy requires us to plan for the future,” said Rep. Dickey. “The Ag Issues Summit provides an opportunity for farmers, lawmakers and industry leaders to come together, exchange ideas and help shape policies that strengthen our agricultural economy.”

“This summit has always been about bringing the people who feed and clothe our state back to the table so we can hear directly from them about the challenges they’re facing,” said Sen. Goodman. “Chairman Dickey and I are both farmers. We understand that family farms are navigating rising costs, workforce shortages, market uncertainty and other challenges. The creation of this study committee reflects our commitment to listening to producers, learning from industry experts and developing practical, long-term solutions to keep Georgia’s family farms strong for generations to come.”

The Joint Study Committee on the Generational Sustainability of Family Farms will examine the conditions and challenges facing Georgia’s family farms and recommend legislative solutions to strengthen existing markets, prepare the next generation of farmers and address the long-term sustainability of the state’s agricultural economy. Goodman and Dickey will serve as co-chairs. House members appointed to the committee include Representatives Jaclyn Ford, R–Tifton, David Huddleston, R–Roopville, and Angie O’Steen, R–Ambrose. Senate members appointed to

the committee include Senators Drew Echols, R–Alto, Freddie Powell Sims, D–Dawson, and Sam Watson, R–Moultrie, along with Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper