All agricultural producers need to be aware of the new GATE Program that will become effective Jan. 1. Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption (GATE) is a new program which offers farmers a sales tax exemption on agricultural equipment and production inputs.

Through the program, farmers can apply through the Georgia Department of Agriculture for their GATE card which they can use to receive a sales tax exemption on certain production inputs like fertilizer, seed, and equipment.

Farmers can apply online at agr.georgia.gov or fill out a handwritten application and mail it to the Georgia Department of Agriculture. You can get a copy of the application from the local Extension Office or Walker County Farm Bureau Office. The application fee for the card is $20 for the online version and $25 for the mailed-in applications.

The Georgia Department of Revenue has compiled a proposed list of the agricultural input items that will qualify for this sales tax exemption. They will be accepting comments on this draft list from farmers through December 20th. For a website link to this proposed list, call the Walker County Extension Office at 706-638-2548.

The Walker County Young Farmers have a meeting coming up on Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the LaFayette High School Ag Department addressing this topic. There will be a meal included in the meeting that will cost $5 per person. Those planning to attend should RSVP by Dec. 14 by calling them at 706-638-7739. Farmers will have the opportunity at the meeting to sign up for a GATE card online.

Norman Edwards is coordinator of Walker County Extension Service.