Join GFB in D.C.: Voice Your Concerns on Local School Food Cuts and Advocate for Change!

Georgia Farm Bureau Visits D.C. to Discuss Key Concerns

Recently, members of the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) traveled to Washington, D.C. to voice their concerns to the Georgia congressional delegation about several pressing issues. They centered their discussions around agricultural labor, the farm bill, and disaster relief.

One significant point raised was the rising costs of farm labor. Under the Department of Labor’s Adverse Effective Wage Rate (AEWR), the wage for agricultural workers in Georgia is set at $16.08 for 2025. Many within the industry believe this will increase the actual cost of hiring foreign labor by over $3 an hour. As labor costs climb, farmers face challenges in maintaining profitability.

In addition to labor issues, the GFB highlighted changes in food assistance programs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is ending two pandemic-related initiatives that provided over $1 billion to schools and food banks for purchasing local foods. Of this funding, about $660 million was directed to schools and childcare centers through the Local Foods for Schools program. This shift raises concerns. Cuts to these programs could mean less access to fresh, nutritious food for children who rely on school meals.

Moreover, proposed budget cuts linked to a Republican tax bill could affect schools’ ability to offer free meals. These cuts aim to raise the poverty threshold for providing free meals without requiring an application, potentially leaving many families in need without support.

In related news, recent federal court rulings in California and Maryland have mandated that several government agencies reinstate employees who were unjustly dismissed. A judge in California identified violations of legal protections during layoffs, while a Maryland judge pointed out procedural failures by the Trump administration in executing large-scale job cuts. In response, the USDA announced they would swiftly implement a plan for the affected employees to return to duty while ensuring they receive pay during this process.

As these developments unfold, farmers, educators, and communities are left pondering the broader impacts on food security and labor dynamics in agriculture. It’s crucial for stakeholders to stay informed, as these discussions could shape the agricultural landscape in Georgia and beyond.

For further details, you can visit Morning Ag Clips.

The ongoing changes remind us of the importance of advocacy in agriculture and illustrate the interconnectedness of labor policy and food access. In light of these shifts, staying connected to trusted sources and engaging in dialogue with policymakers will be crucial for community resilience and supporting those who feed us.

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