12/5/19

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black speaking at White County Rotary Meeting

(Cleveland)- What is the role of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, many residents don’t have a clue, but White County Rotary Club members know more  about that following a visit by Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black. 

Black and his wife Lydia were guests of the club on Tuesday.  Black highlighted many of the roles that his department is involved in.  Those duties regulating motor fuel quality. The Fuel and Measures Division checks the wholesale distribution and retail sales of petroleum products, they are involved in food safety and even have the authority to license the growers and processors of Industrial Hemp products in the state.  Black told the Rotarians that this area needs more work to make sure that they can do their job right. 

In fact, a meeting was scheduled for Wednesday to decide what the next step process will be. 

Black also said Georgia farmers are still waiting, after more than 400 days since Hurricane Michael hit, to receive any disaster payment.  He said,  “ if we get a transaction to a farmer in Georgia by February first it will be a miracle.”