ATLANTA – State Representative Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah), chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC), today announced site visit locations for the caucus’ statewide “Black Farmers Tour.” Through this event series, the GLBC seeks to collaborate with Black farmers on legislative solutions to remove systemic barriers and ensure equal access to resources and opportunities.
“The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus is committed to making sure that all Georgians have equal access to the information and resources needed to compete in Georgia’s robust agricultural industry,” said Rep. Gilliard. “Visiting these farms and getting a chance to hear from these farmers will give us an opportunity to make this a reality.”
Starting May 15, Rep. Gilliard and members of the GLBC will travel to several Black-owned farms, including Roberts Vineyard, Addis Bugg Farms, Paul Copeland Farms and Living Waters Farms. They will conclude the tour with the “At the Table Roundtable” discussion event with Georgia farmers at Fort Valley State University. Details about the farm tour will be forthcoming.
During the 2023 legislative session, the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus introduced House Bill 262, the Georgia Racial Equity in Agriculture Act, to provide sustainability for disadvantaged farmers in the state. Sponsored by State Rep. Regina Lewis-Ward (D-McDonough), HB 262 would create two entities under the Georgia Department of Agriculture to promote equity and inclusion in the agricultural industry by distributing loans and programs, training and other resources to sustain socially disadvantaged farmers. The bill would also establish a fund for marginalized farmers impacted by natural disasters. HB 262 will remain eligible for consideration in the 2024 legislative session, which will convene next January.
Recognized as one of the largest Black caucuses in the nation, the GLBC is a group of elected officials dedicated to advocating for the needs and concerns of Black Georgians. The caucus is committed to working towards a brighter future for all citizens of Georgia.
For more information about the GLBC, please click here.
Representative Carl Gilliard represents the citizens of District 162, which includes portions of Chatham County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development and the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, Natural Resources & Environment, Reapportionment and Redistricting, State Properties and Transportation committees.
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