Georgia Farm Bureau News Alert - December 16, 2015

December 16, 2015

www.gfb.org

Vol. 33 No. 50

2016 GFB POLICY APPROVED DURING CONVENTION On Dec. 8, Georgia Farm Bureau voting delegates approved the organization’s agricultural policies that will guide the organization’s legislative efforts for 2016.

The voting delegates adopted 160 agricultural policies and addressed two by-law amendments at GFB’s 78th Annual Convention. The delegate body, consisting of 775 members, represents all Farm Bureau county chapters throughout the state. The number of delegates each county receives is determined by county membership.

“As a grassroots organization, it’s important for us take our direction from our county Farm Bureaus, and the policy development process gives us guidance for the coming year,” said GFB President Zippy Duvall. “It’s through this process that we can truly be the voice of Georgia farmers. We’re extremely grateful for all the county Farm Bureau leaders throughout the state who have contributed their time to be a part of this process.”

The GFB Annual Convention is the end of a five-month process where individual counties submit policy ideas for consideration. This year, 80 county Farm Bureaus submitted more than 350 new resolutions for consideration.

As in years past, tax policies received much attention during the policy process. Concerns about the misuse of Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE) privileges prompted additional policy recommendations. The delegates acknowledged the importance of the GATE program for legitimate agricultural producers and supported efforts to maintain its integrity by curbing misuse. For long-term preservation of Conservation Use Value Assessment (CUVA), GFB will urge caution when making changes to the program. The delegates also voiced support for an extension of the Section 179 business expense deductions.

The GFB voting delegates expressed support for USDA allowing farmers to utilize generic certificates. These certificates would allow producers additional options in marketing their commodities. Also supported was the inclusion of cottonseed as a program under the farm bill.

This change would treat cottonseed in the same manner as other oil seeds.

Several polices were approved regarding avian influenza. GFB will work to obtain federal assistance through RMA and disaster programs for growers who are impacted by the virus.

Considering the implications AI could have on agriculture, GFB supports the state’s efforts to control the outbreak in the timeliest fashion possible.

The delegates also discussed the use of drones on farming operations and the potential the technology has for agriculture in the future. Some of the policies received on this issue encourage regulators not to restrict access to this new technology, but at the same time, respect private property rights.

GFB News Alert page 2 of 9 GFB HARVEST FOR ALL CAMPAIGN RAISES $20,000 FOR GA FOOD BANKS For the sixth straight year, Georgia Farm Bureau collected cash donations in its annual Harvest For All campaign, which generated $20,000 in donations from county Farm Bureau chapters and the home office.

According to the Georgia Food Bank Association (GFBA), one in four children in Georgia live in food insecure households – households in which there is reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet, or those that have disrupted eating patterns or reduced food intake. Including adults, one in five Georgians live in food insecure households.

“The number of Georgians with limited access to quality food is truly staggering,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. “The Harvest For All campaign is a way we can help reduce the hunger found in communities throughout the state.”

The GFB Young Farmer Committee coordinated the 11th Annual Harvest For All Campaign.

Duvall and Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer Committee Chairman David Cromley presented a check to GFBA Director Danah Craft during Georgia Farm Bureau’s 78th Annual Convention on Jekyll Island.

In addition to helping with purchases of high-protein foods like chicken and peanut butter, donated money helps the GFBA offset costs associated with collecting and distributing food donations.

“The support we receive from Georgia's farmers is making a big difference in the lives of Georgians in need,” Craft said. “These donations of funds and fresh produce enable the food banks to provide a more nutritious mix of food to clients. A total of 156,500 individuals are served every week by Georgia’s eight regional food banks and their 2,500 partner agencies.”

The GFBA started its Farm to Foodbank program in 2014, through which it accepts food donations direct from farmers, who give nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables that grocery chains won’t buy for aesthetic reasons. For the second straight year Georgia’s farmers donated more than 10 million pounds of food, providing more than eight million meals, which Craft attributes to GFBA’s affiliation with Georgia Farm Bureau.

Georgia Farm Bureau’s Harvest For All donation will have a statewide impact. The Georgia Food Bank Association distributes the funds to America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia in Savannah, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank (Food Bank of Northwest Georgia), Feeding the Valley in Columbus, the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia in Athens, Golden Harvest in Augusta, the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank in Macon and Second Harvest of South Georgia in Valdosta.

Past Harvest for All campaigns have solicited direct donations of food. Since 2004, GFB has coordinated Harvest For All campaigns through which GFB members across the state donated about 49,000 pounds of staple food items and more than $140,000 in cash donations distributed to the food banks located throughout Georgia affiliated with Feeding America.

“The struggle many Georgia families have in finding food in adequate quality or quantity is very real,” said 2015 Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer Committee Chairman David Cromley.

“We are happy to help ease some of this need through the Harvest For All campaign.”

GFB News Alert page 3 of 9 GAO: EPA BROKE LAW IN PROMOTING WOTUS RULE The EPA’s social media campaign to generate support for the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule finalized earlier this year broke multiple U.S. laws, according to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).

The GAO reviewed the EPA’s use of publicity and social media at the request of Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), who is chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

The GAO’s report, released on Dec. 14, concluded that in 2014 and 2015 the EPA used appropriated funds in violation of appropriations acts in those years, as well as the Antideficiency Act, which blocks the use of funds in violation of statutory prohibitions.

“GAO’s finding confirms what I have long suspected, that EPA will go to extreme lengths and even violate the law to promote its activist environmental agenda,” Inhofe said in a released statement. “Courts have already raised questions about the legality of the Waters of the U.S. rule and have temporarily halted it from going into effect. EPA officials act as if the law does not apply to them, but this GAO opinion should serve as another reminder that EPA officials are not above the law.”

Both Georgia Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) have opposed the WOTUS rule since it was initially proposed in early 2014.

“It’s clear from this report that EPA orchestrated this matter in a biased fashion,” AFBF President Bob Stallman said. “Now it’s up to Congress to clean up this mess by including a corrective measure in the omnibus bill now taking shape on Capitol Hill.”

The GAO recommended that the EPA report its violations and an accounting of their associated costs to the president and to Congress in accordance with the Antideficiency Act. EPA FINALIZES RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARDS On Nov. 30, the EPA announced final volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016, and final volume requirements for biomass-based diesel for 2014 to 2017, according to an EPA press release. This rule finalizes higher volumes of renewable fuel than the levels EPA proposed in June, boosting renewable production and providing support for robust, achievable growth of the biofuels industry. !

The final 2016 standard for cellulosic biofuel, the fuel with the lowest carbon emissions, is 230 million gallons, more than seven times more than the market produced in 2014. The final 2016 standard for advanced biofuel is nearly 1 billion gallons, or 35 percent, higher than the actual 2014 volumes; the total renewable standard requires growth from 2014 to 2016 of more than 1.8 billion gallons of biofuel, which is 11 percent higher than 2014 actual volumes.

Biodiesel standards grow steadily over the next several years, increasing every year to reach 2 billion gallons by 2017.

The RFS, established by Congress, requires the EPA to set annual volume requirements for four categories of biofuels. The final rule considered more than 670,000 public comments, and relied on the latest, most accurate data available.

The EPA finalized 2014 and 2015 standards at levels that reflect the actual amount of domestic biofuel used in those years, and standards for 2016 (and 2017 for biodiesel) that represent significant growth over historical levels.

GFB News Alert page 4 of 9 MIDDLE GEORGIA BIOFUEL PLANT GETS USDA LOAN GUARANTEE The USDA has announced a conditional commitment for a $70 million loan guarantee to help build a cellulosic biorefinery in central Georgia. USDA is providing the loan guarantee conditional commitment, an important milestone in the ongoing development of the project, through its Biorefinery Assistance Program, according to a USDA press release.

Ensyn Georgia Biorefinery I, LLC (Ensyn) will construct and operate a cellulosic biofuel refinery in Dooly County. The company will produce 20 million gallons of renewable fuel per year employing its Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) technology. RTP uses a fast thermal process to convert non-food-based feedstocks into bio-based fuels.

Ensyn will convert 440 dry tons of woody biomass into a renewable fuel oil (RFO) product.

There is an abundant supply of woody biomass near the plant due to excess forest materials in the region. However, Ensyn can use a variety of other non-food cellulosic feedstocks as well.

The renewable fuel oil will be used as a heating oil replacement and as a renewable feedstock for diesel and gasoline production at refineries.

The project will lead to the direct employment of up to 138 people, including nearly 70 permanent jobs when the plant is fully operational.

Ensyn has a 25-year track record with its RTP technology and currently supports the operation of six commercial RTP facilities. The company has additional commercial plants under development in Canada and Brazil with its joint venture partners.

The Lender of Record under the loan guarantee is Citi.

Congress extended the Biorefinery Assistance Program in the 2014 Farm Bill and expanded it to include renewable chemicals and bio-based product manufacturing. The program provides guarantees for loans made by commercial lenders to fund the development of biorefineries for the production of advanced biofuels and renewable chemicals and bio-based product manufacturing facilities.

SOUTHWEST GEORGIA COUNTIES ELIGIBLE FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE Eight counties in Southwest Georgia are eligible for disaster assistance from the USDA due to damage and losses caused by excessive rainfall, winds and flooding that occurred between Sept.

1 and Nov. 20.

The USDA declared 13 counties in Alabama as primary disaster areas. Chattahoochee, Clay, Early, Harris, Muscogee, Seminole, Stewart and Troup counties in Georgia are eligible for assistance because they are contiguous to the primary counties in Alabama.

Qualified farm operators in the designated areas are eligible for low interest emergency (EM) loans from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provided eligibility requirements are met.

Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. FSA has a variety of programs, in addition to the EM loan program, to help eligible farmers recover from adversity.

For more information visit http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.

GFB News Alert page 5 of 9 UGA EXPERT: PECAN CROP MAY FALL SHORT OF EXPECTATIONS University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells fears Georgia’s pecan crop will fail to meet initial production projections by as much as 20 million pounds, according to a University of Georgia press release.

Instead of the 110 to 120 million pounds projected at the start of the harvest season, Georgia is now expected to produce between 90 and 100 million pounds of pecans, said Wells.

Wells’ revised forecast came in late November, when weather conditions were less than ideal.

Georgia producers prefer cooler temperatures and drier weather, which help to preserve the crop for as long as possible on the tree. This fall’s warmer temperatures combined with November rain showers led to deterioration in the quality of this year’s Georgia pecans.

“We’re starting to see some quality issues to the point that the percent of the kernel (that’s filled) is running a little bit low, lower than normal. The size of the pecans is good, but to some extent that could be part of the problem. Any time you have a large nut size with a heavy crop load on the tree, it’s hard for the tree to fill those kernels, even under the best conditions,” Wells said.

The average pecan typically has 50 percent of its kernel filled. The Desirable variety— Georgia’s most widely grown pecan variety—usually has as much as 53 percent of its kernel filled, but has dropped to 47 percent this year in many orchards, Wells said.

The UGA Extension expert blames cloudy weather toward the end of September for the reduced kernel fill.

“Any time we get extended periods of cloudy weather during kernel-filling time, that can cause some problems for us and make it harder for that tree to fill the nuts out,” Wells said. “I think that’s a lot of the problem we’re seeing with the quality being lower than we’d like to see.”

Wells said unseasonably warmer temperatures this fall—above 80 degrees Fahrenheit during October and November—followed by heavy rainfall also led to sprouting, or premature germination, in the Stuart variety. Sprouting is germination of the seed while it is still on the tree.

“If you see a lot of the Stuart variety in the trees that have not opened up yet, a lot of times those nuts may have already sprouted,” Wells said. “The pecan itself is a seed. When you have high moisture conditions and warm temperatures, it will stimulate that nut to germinate and sprout.”

In addition to weather-related problems, Georgia pecan growers fought late-season aphids and spider mites in September.

Wells recommends growers shake the trees and harvest the nuts as soon as weather conditions allow.

WTO SETS TARIFF LEVELS IN COOL DISPUTE A World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement body (DSB) has determined that Canada and Mexico can levy nearly $1 billion in tariffs on imports of certain U.S. goods in the trade dispute over the U.S. Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) provisions in the 2008 farm bill.

In a dispute that dates back to December 2008, the WTO determined that COOL increases record-keeping for producers owning imported livestock and puts Canadian and Mexican cattle and hog owners at a competitive disadvantage.

On Dec. 7, 2015, the DSB authorized Canada to impose $700 million in tariffs on U.S. imports. Similarly, Mexico was authorized to levy up to $228 million (U.S.) in tariffs.

GFB News Alert page 6 of 9 GEORGIA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION FORESTRY FORWARD SERIES Dec. 17 Half Moon Café Rome Jan. 7, 2016 Oxbow Meadows Columbus Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) members and those who depend on Georgia’s working forests are encouraged to attend the local, reception-style events to learn more about the priorities of the GFA and the challenges facing working forest landowners and the forest industry. GFA is also partnering with Dr. Dale Greene, dean of the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, for the Athens and Columbus events.

Attendees at those events will have the chance to meet Dr. Greene and learn about the future of the Warnell School. Space is limited at each event. To RSVP visit www.eventbrite.com/o/georgia-forestry-association-7811066383.

WETLANDS, AG CONSERVATION EASEMENTS The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting enrollment for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). To be considered for the fiscal year 2016 program, applications must be submitted by Dec. 18. ACEP, created through the 2014 farm bill, has two components, known as Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE). ACEP combines NRCS’ former Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP), Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) and Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP).

Applications are available at your local USDA Service Center and at www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted. For more information about ACEP and other farm bill programs in Georgia, visit http://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov.

2016 GFB DISTRICT II YOUNG FARMER STEER AND HEIFER SHOW Jan. 16, 2016 Habersham County Agr-Science Center Mt. Airy This one-day show features cash prizes and plaques, as well as a $250 scholarship for the 12thgrade showmanship winner. Check-in runs from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. State show rules apply. Entries must be postmarked by Dec. 19, 2015. Entry fee is $25 per animal for Georgia Farm Bureau members and $35 per animal for non-members. Show is open to junior beef cattle exhibitors from Union, Towns, Rabun, Lumpkin, White, Habersham, Hall, Banks, Stephens, Franklin, Jackson, Madison and Elbert counties. The barn will be open at 4 p.m. on Jan. 15 for early arrivals. For more information contact Will Cabe at 706-988-0018 or willcabe@yahoo.com, Matthew London at 706-969-9284 or mlondon9284@gmail.com, or Clay Talton at 706-9880153 or cstalton@gfb.org.

GFB News Alert page 7 of 9 GEORGIA PEANUT COMMISSION NOMINATION MEETINGS Dec. 21 Dist. 5, Macon County Extension office 10 a.m.

Oglethorpe Dec. 21 Dist. 4, Bleckley County Farm Bureau 2 p.m.

Cochran Dec. 22 Dist. 2, Tift County Farm Bureau 11 a.m.

Tifton These nomination meetings are for the purpose of filling three positions on the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) Board of Directors. Georgia Farm Bureau will conduct the meetings during which peanut producers will nominate peers to represent the Peanut Commission’s Districts 2, 4 and 5. The terms of the commission members who currently represent these districts expire in May 2016. The Georgia peanut production area is divided into five districts based on acreage distribution and geographical location with one board member representing each district. Each nominee must produce peanuts and live within the district for which he or she is nominated. Any peanut producer may be nominated or make nominations at the meeting for the peanut district in which he or she lives. Incumbents are eligible for renomination. If more than one person is nominated, an election will be conducted by mail ballot at a date to be announced. Commission by-laws state that a person must receive a majority of the votes cast for a position in order to be elected to the board. If only one person qualifies for the position, no election is required and the nominated person automatically becomes a member of the Georgia Peanut Commission Board.

Commission members serve terms of three years. For more information contact Don McGough at 478-474-8411 or dcmgough@gfb.org.

2015 GATE CARDS EXPIRE DEC. 31 The Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption (GATE) program is an agricultural sales tax exemption certificate issued by the Georgia Department of Agriculture that identifies the card holder as an ag producer qualified for the tax exemption. All 2015 GATE cards expire Dec. 31. To renew your card visit http://forms.agr.georgia.gov/gate/ or call 1-855-FARMTAX (855-327-6829) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. There is a $20 fee for online applications and a $25 fee for applications made via mail or phone. Many county Farm Bureau offices will assist their members with online signups or renewals. The GATE card should only be used to purchase items that qualify under the program for the production of ag commodities.

GGIA WINTERGREEN HORTICULTURAL TRADE SHOW, CONFERENCE Jan. 27-29, 2016 Infinite Energy Forum Duluth The Georgia Green Industry Association’s Wintergreen is the annual conference and trades show for the horticulture and landscaping industry, featuring education sessions along more than 200 exhibitors. The education sessions include classes on new plants and industry trends, business strategies, pest and disease treatments, irrigation technology, invasive plants and much more.

Many classes offer CEU’s for pesticide applicators, irrigation contractors and arborists. The trade show includes a “walkabout” to accompany Georgia’s horticultural icons Dr. Mike Dirr, Dr. Allan Armitage and legendary coach and plantsman Vince Dooley in a hunt for the high points of the show. For more information visit www.ggia.org or call GGIA at 888-GET-GGIA. Online registration is available with early bird discounts available through Jan. 6.

GFB News Alert page 8 of 9 GEORGIA PEANUT FARM SHOW Jan. 21, 2016 UGA Tifton Conference Center Tifton This annual event organized by the Georgia Peanut Commission runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Attendees will have the chance to view more than 100 exhibits in the trade show, attend educational sessions, earn pesticide application certification and win numerous door prizes. A free lunch will be provided. Call 229-386-3470 or visit www.gapeanuts.com for more information.

2016 AG FORECAST MEETINGS Jan. 21 Carroll County Ag Center Carrollton Jan. 22 Unicoi State Park Cleveland Jan. 25 Cloud Livestock Facility Bainbridge Jan. 26 UGA Tifton Conference Center Tifton Jan. 27 Blueberry Warehouse Alma Jan. 29 Georgia Farm Bureau Macon This annual series is supported by an endowment from Georgia Farm Bureau with support from the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Agribusiness Council. The keynote topic will be a discussion of sales tax distribution patterns and how tax reform programs, such as the Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption (GATE) and the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT), have affected Georgia counties. A study released by UGA earlier this year shows GATE has had little impact on most counties. UGA economists will also provide an economic outlook for 2016.

Check-in for all of the meetings, except Tifton, begins at 9 a.m. with seminars starting at 10 a.m. followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. Check-in for the Tifton event starts at 7 a.m., breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. followed by the seminar from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Cost is $30 per person or $200 for a table of eight. Advance registration is required. For more information or to register, visit http://www.georgiaagforecast.com, call 706-583-0347 or email carlam@uga.edu. Follow the meetings on Facebook.com/UGACAES or on Twitter @UGA_CollegeofAg and join the conversation with #AgForecast.

GA COTTON COMMISSION ANNUAL MEETING & UGA COTTON WORKSHOP Jan. 27, 2016 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton This event begins at 8 a.m. and includes updates from state and national cotton organizations.

The annual Georgia Quality Cotton Awards will be announced after lunch. For more information call 478-988-4235 or visit http://www.georgiacottoncommission.org.

GEORGIA FARM BUREAU DAY AT THE CAPITOL Feb. 4, 2016 The Georgia Freight Depot Atlanta Georgia Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol is a chance for Farm Bureau members to meet with legislators and other government officials. Orientation begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Blue Room of the historic Georgia Railroad Freight Depot, located next to Underground Atlanta. Free parking at the Turner Field Gold Lot will be available with a shuttle service that runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information contact the GFB Legislative Department at 1-800-342-1192 or your local county Farm Bureau office.

GFB News Alert page 9 of 9 SOYBEAN/SMALL GRAIN EXPO Feb. 4, 2016 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry The Expo will provide up-to-date marketing projections and the newest production techniques, as well as remarks from University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences leaders. Speakers include: UGA’s Dr. Nathan Smith, who will provide a world economic outlook for southern ag commodities; AFBF Deputy Chief Economist John Anderson, who will give a farm bill update; UGA’s Dr. Michael Toews, will speak about stored grain insects and North Carolina State University Plant Pathologist Dr. Christina Cowger, who will present information on fusarium head blight. To register visit www.georgiacrop.com/approvedplants/ or call 706-542-3793. Registration is $10 in advance and $20 at the door.

GEORGIA PORK CONGRESS Feb. 16 Georgia Farm Bureau 2 p.m.

Macon The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2017 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 2 p.m. in conjunction with a meeting of the Georgia Pork Producers Association. This meeting will immediately follow the 2016 Georgia Pork Congress that will start at 8 a.m. at the GFB Building. All Georgia pork producers are invited to attend.

Any producer age 18 or older who is a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff was deducted. For more information, contact Georgia Pork Producers Association, P.O. Box 1566, Bainbridge, Ga. 39818 or call 229-246-8297.