Since House Bill 911 – dealing with the GATE program for agricultural sales tax exemption – was introduced last week in the Georgia General Assembly, it has dominated conversation among agricultural interests inside and outside the state Capitol.

The legislation currently expands the $2,500 threshold to a minimum $10,000 requirement and moves the program's administration, over from the Georgia Department of Agriculture to the Department of Revenue.

Georgia Farm Bureau says that preserving and maintaining the program at the Georgia Department of Agriculture is a top priority. Georgia Farm Bureau legislative staff, as well as other industry partners began meeting with key policy makers this week advocating for the necessary changes to HB 911.

According to Georgia Farm Bureau, discussions have been positive, and they expect to see a substitute version of the bill released next week.