COFFEE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - South Georgia farmers and local leaders is urging law makers to update the Farm Bill to provide the support they say it is needed to keep their operations and local communities afloat.

According to a recent Georgia Farm Bureau survey, nearly 70% of Georgia farmers say they’re struggling to stay afloat this season. Without updates to the Farm Bill, many fear they won’t make it to the next harvest.

The current legislation, 2018 Farm Bill, was extended after it expired last year. But many in the agriculture sector say it no longer reflects the challenges farmers face today, including extreme weather events, rising operational costs, and tighter lending conditions.

Daniel Raulerson, owner of DLR Farms in Coffee County, says access to financing has become increasingly difficult.

“Things are not good in the ag sector,” Raulerson said. “We’re not looking for a handout. I don’t just want a dollar handed to me, but I want fair trade, and I want things to get right.”

Farmers also stress that these issues don’t just impact rural families also entire communities.

“When farmers are unable to plant or produce at full capacity, it reduces the local food supply,” Raulerson said. “It’s a national security issue, because if we don’t grow our own food and we depend on other countries to grow it, it’s almost like an act of defense.”

While farmers say they are grateful for continued support from their communities, many are now wanting lawmakers to listen and act.

“I appreciate the community for supporting us, but I want the government to hear us,” Raulerson said.

With planting season already underway for many, the clock is ticking.

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