Kemp signs agriculture bills, tax relief measures into law

The measures signed Wednesday cover farming, forestry, seafood labeling and wildfire prevention.

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Gov. Brian Kemp signed nearly a dozen agricultural bills and resolutions into law Wednesday, covering a wide range of issues affecting Georgia’s farming and forestry industries.

Among the measures signed were bills addressing prescribed burning regulations aimed at preventing future wildfires, as well as legislation enacting stricter labeling controls for Georgia-caught seafood.

Georgia Agricultural Commissioner Tyler Harper said the day’s signings reflected the central role farming and forestry play in the state’s economy, calling them Georgia’s two biggest industries. Harper praised the scope of the legislation.

“The legislation today, from tax credits to making cotton the official fabric of Georgia, among other things, moves the ball in the right direction and recognizes our farm families and our industries and the important role they play as the most important industry and continuing to help Georgia be successful,” Harper said.

Of all the bills signed at the event, Kemp placed the greatest focus on tax relief for Georgia farmers. That measure exempts certain government payment programs from state income tax.