Dear editor:

During the past legislative session, important tax reform passed which focuses on updating and modernizing our tax code in order to make us more competitive with the surrounding southern states.

As part of this legislation, not only are the previous agriculture exemptions defined and re-branded, but new exemptions are established for farmers and producers.

 Sales tax exemptions for agricultural inputs are broadened through including equipment parts, energy used in production of an agricultural product and other inputs which were previously not exempt.  

I want to thank the Governor, the Lt. Governor, the Speaker and the General Assembly for passing this meaningful piece of legislation that will help agricultural producers during these trying economic times.

As part of this legislation, all agricultural producers must register with the Georgia Department of Agriculture underneath the Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption program which goes into effect January 1, 2013.

 At this time, all other agriculture exemptions will be repealed.  If you are an agricultural producer and would like to receive this tax exemption, you must qualify as Qualified Agriculture Producer in Georgia through the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

There are two ways you can apply; the first one is visit our website at www.agr.georgia.gov with the online application, or you print off the application and mail it into the Department.  You can also pick up your applications at your local Farm Bureau office.

 If you have any questions regarding this new program, I would like to encourage you to visit our website at www.agr.georgia.gov, or call (855) FARM TAX.  My staff and I are available to make this process as seamless as possible.

Thank you for supporting the agricultural community in Georgia.  I hope you and your family have a truly blessed holiday season.

  Gary W. Black

Commissioner of Agriculture