Athens, GA |

After years of financial uncertainty, Georgia’s farmers are finally seeing a bit of clarity, thanks to a sweeping new 870-page federal spending bill that was recently signed into law. While the legislation took time to come together, many in the agricultural community believe it was worth the wait.

“The big, beautiful bill is going to be a boon for agriculture in Georgia and actually the entire US,” says Ford Ramsey, Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Georgia. “It’s essentially a replacement for the farm bill. You know, we had been wanting a farm bill for the past two years. And I think most farm advocacy groups are going to consider this their farm bill.”

With record-high input costs and commodity prices struggling to keep pace, strengthening the safety net for producers was a top priority. That’s why changes to crop insurance programs are among the most welcome provisions.

“What was done there was primarily, the reference prices increased,” Ramsey explains. “Those increased reference prices were in line with what we saw from a proposed farm bill in the House in 2024. They seem to be pretty favorable for the commodities that we grow here in Georgia—specifically cotton and peanuts. If you enroll in ARC, you’ll now be able to purchase the supplemental coverage option under crop insurance. Previously, you were not able to do that. And the guaranteed revenue under ARC is also increased.”

Premium subsidy rates for Enhanced and Supplemental Coverage Options are also rising—up to 65% and 80%, respectively—making insurance programs more affordable for producers. The bill even includes a directive to explore new coverage specifically for one of Georgia’s largest ag sectors: poultry.

“So, the subsidy rates on premiums, the premium subsidy rates have increased,” says Ramsey. “So all else equal, farmers should be paying less for their crop insurance going forward. And there was also a call to develop an insurance policy for contracted poultry production. Poultry is one area where we haven’t seen a lot of use of federal crop insurance in the past.”

In addition to bolstering insurance protections, the legislation tackles one of the more sensitive issues facing family farms—succession. Changes to estate tax exemptions could provide a new incentive for younger generations to return to the land.

“There were also some changes made on the tax side,” Ramsey says. “I think principally, what would be beneficial to farmers are changes made to the estate tax exemptions. The amounts that can be exempted have been increased to fifteen million dollars a person or thirty million dollars for a couple.”

With the 2025 growing season underway, many Georgia producers are hoping this long-awaited bill delivers on its promises—offering support not just for today’s challenges, but for the future of farming in the state.

By: Damon Jones