TOMMY SMITH PRAISES HOUSE PASSAGE OF GEORGIA BLUEBERRY COMMISSION

ATLANTA—Georgia State Representative Tommy Smith (R-Nicholls), Chairman of the House State Planning and Community Affairs Committee, today praised the House for adopting House Bill 649 creating the Georgia Blueberry Commission.

“This is a great day for Georgia’s blueberry growers, consumers and future economic development in our state,” Smith said.  “The support of Commissioner Irvin, former Speaker Coleman, Chairman McCall and Speaker Richardson was invaluable.  Now the people of Georgia will benefit even more from homegrown blueberries.”

House Bill 649, adopted by the House today, amends the Georgia Agricultural Commodities Promotion Act to create the Georgia Blueberry Commission.  The commission will be fully funded by blueberry growers, and is charged with promoting the growth and sale of Georgia grown blueberries.  Other commissions promoting Georgia produced commodities include those for peanuts, milk, soybeans, sweet potatoes, cotton, peaches, apples, eggs, pecans, canola, vegetables and corn.

Former Speaker of the House Terry Coleman, currently with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, added, “Commissioner Irvin and I are pleased that Tommy introduced this bill.  Blueberries are the most promising agriculture product in Georgia and a multi-million dollar industry for our state.  We only see increased sales in the future for blueberries.  And let’s not forget that they taste great and are great for you containing the highest concentration of antioxidants found in any fruit.  This is a great move for Georgia and great step forward for our blueberry growers.”

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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