Thirteen Million in State Funds Available for Georgia Tobacco Farmers

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that up to $13 million in OneGeorgia funds plus additional federal funds will be made available to Georgia tobacco farmers. The funds will be transferred to the Georgia Tobacco Community Development Board and distributed directly to tobacco farmers to help compensate for the drop in demand for tobacco.

"I want to thank Senator Chambliss for his efforts on behalf of Georgia's tobacco farmers," said Governor Perdue. "Tobacco farmers are a key part of Georgia's agriculture community and our economy. Tobacco is a cash crop for our state. I look forward to working with OneGeorgia, the State Tobacco Board, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide Georgia's tobacco farmers the assistance they need."

President Bush signed the Omnibus Appropriations Bill on Thursday, February 20 authorizing the distribution of these funds. The Federal portion will be paid out through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency.