Hard Work Meets Real Conversation – Georgia Farmers, Ranchers, and Policymakers Convene at the State Capitol
Atlanta, GA – The National Women in Agriculture Association (NWIAA) delivered a clear message at the Georgia State Capitol: hard work deserves more than recognition - it requires action.
On Tuesday February 10, 2026, NWIAA convened farmers, ranchers, agricultural stakeholders, and state leaders to elevate real-world experiences and advance state-level solutions addressing the growing pressures facing Georgia agriculture. The convening centered on building a resolution for the Farmers Aid & Assistance State Bill, a comprehensive proposal designed to strengthen Georgia’s agricultural safety net through both immediate relief and long-term stability, particularly for underserved and minority producers.
As Georgia farmers and ranchers confront rising operational costs, climate challenges, delayed federal relief, and increasing mental-health strain, NWIAA brought these realities directly to the policy table where decisions are made.
“Policy is strongest when it reflects the voices of those living the reality,” said Caitlin Keele-Ebright, Owner/Operator of Second Chance Farms, Inc. “The conversations held [yesterday] at the Capitol moved shared priorities closer to real action for Georgia farmers.”
The gathering at the Capitol underscored the urgency of addressing agricultural challenges through coordinated, bipartisan, state-level action.
Advancing the Farmers Aid & Assistance State Bill
During the Capitol convening, NWIAA highlighted how the Farmers Aid & Assistance State Bill would:
Establish a State Farmer Aid Fund to provide emergency relief, equipment and infrastructure support, and assistance during delayed federal payments;
Expand technical assistance and training, including soil health, conservation, water management, business planning, financial literacy, and youth workforce development;
Address farmer mental health by expanding rural counseling partnerships, suicide-prevention outreach, and crisis resources;
Strengthen local food systems, supporting food hubs, locally grown food incentives, and emergency food distribution; and
Build coordinated partnerships among NWIAA, universities, extension programs, and local agricultural organizations to ensure farmer-centered implementation.
“We’re seeing strong engagement from Georgia state legislators who acknowledged the urgency of strengthening the state’s agricultural safety net,” says Dr. Tammy Gray-Steele, NWIAA Executive Director and Founder. “By investing in long-term food security, we’re empowering women in agriculture through investment, access, and follow-throughs.”
The NWIAA continues to maintain an active and constructive presence at the Georgia State Capitol, fostering relationships with policymakers and ensuring that farmers’ lived experiences remain central to legislative discussions.
The NWIAA will host its second town hall as part of its 15-state tour on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, convening with Tennessee legislators in Nashville. Additional details for both in-person and virtual attendance will be released soon.
