MOULTRIE, Ga. (WALB) — Georgia’s candidates for governor are pitching farmers on how they will protect the state’s top industry, while the state’s top Republican leaders met with farm leaders in Moultrie to discuss the future of agriculture.

With Gov. Brian Kemp’s term winding down, the race to replace him is open and both candidates are appealing to rural voters. Republican Rick Jackson was in Moultrie Tuesday as farmers showed new technology to move the industry forward.

“We always support our farmers and whatever we need to do to encourage the federal government to bring in money and us match those funds and so forth, we will support them when they need it the most,” Jackson said.

Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms visited Albany last week, pitching her rural Georgia plan to boost farm profits and bring state resources back face-to-face.

“What I’m hearing from farmers across this area is that by the time they often find out about the programs, the money is run out or the program is closed,” Bottoms said.

Election Day is Nov. 3 with polls showing a tight race. Undecided voters could decide who leads Georgia next.

Kemp, Harper tout agriculture investments

Gov. Brian Kemp and Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper were also in Moultrie meeting with farmers. Leaders touted the Georgia Grown program, tax relief and Hurricane Helene disaster relief.

“It’s important for people to remember what’s at stake in this election. You think about who’s been there to support and strengthen our rural communities, It’s been this leadership team right here,” Gov. Kemp said.

Commissioner Harper said his office has also focused on keeping Georgia farmland in agricultural use.

“We’ve delivered, from protecting our farmland to foreign adversaries like China, North Korea, and Iran, protecting farmlands to ensure it’s used for agricultural purposes, the investments we’ve made to get farm families back on their feet,” Commissioner Harper said.

Leaders said the focus ahead is protecting farmland and keeping Georgia farm families in operation for the next growing season and beyond.

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