Kemp signs bill to ban ‘foreign adversaries’ from owning agricultural land

Georgia Governor Signs Bills to Support Agriculture Sector

Introduction

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has recently signed a series of bills aimed at supporting the state’s agriculture sector. These bills address various issues, including the ownership of property near military bases and the regulation of substances such as fentanyl. This report will provide an overview of the key bills signed by Governor Kemp and their implications for Georgia’s agriculture industry.

Senate Bill 420: Protecting Agricultural Land

One of the bills signed by Governor Kemp is Senate Bill 420, which prohibits nonresident aliens from purchasing agricultural land within a 10-mile radius of a military installation. The bill aims to safeguard national security by preventing foreign adversaries from controlling critical resources such as the food supply. Nonresident aliens who terminate their status can retain the land. This measure aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions.

SB 465: Combating Substance Abuse

Another significant bill signed by Governor Kemp is SB 465, also known as “Austin’s Law.” This legislation targets the sale and distribution of substances like fentanyl, a dangerous opioid. It introduces a new criminal offense of aggravated involuntary manslaughter, carrying a prison sentence of 10 to 30 years. By addressing substance abuse, this bill contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

Other Bills Supporting Agriculture

In addition to the aforementioned bills, Governor Kemp signed several other measures to support Georgia’s agriculture industry:

1. SB 340: This bill adds diesel exhaust fluid to the Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption program, promoting sustainable agricultural practices (SDG 12).
2. SB 494: The amendment of the state’s regulation of hemp through this bill aligns with SDG 15, which aims to protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems.
3. SB 436: By expanding the definition of a farm-use vehicle and adding a definition for “operator,” this bill supports efficient and sustainable agricultural operations (SDG 9).

Other Signed Bills

Governor Kemp also signed several bills addressing various issues:

• HB 827: This bill increases the penalty for livestock theft and grants the Georgia Department of Agriculture the power to enforce certain criminal statutes.
• HB 455: It provides privacy protections for professional programs addressing career fatigue and wellness in healthcare professionals.
• HB 1335: This bill adjusts staffing requirements in personal care homes, assisting living communities, and memory care centers.
• HB 906: It adds a superior court judge to the Tifton Judicial Circuit.

Conclusion

The bills signed by Governor Kemp demonstrate Georgia’s commitment to supporting its agriculture sector and addressing various societal challenges. These measures align with the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, protecting national security, and ensuring the well-being of Georgia’s residents.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
   • Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.

2. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
   • Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.

The article addresses or connects to the following SDGs:

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
2. SDG 15: Life on Land

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets under these SDGs can be identified:

1. Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
2. Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

The article mentions or implies the following indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.
• Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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