Georgia’s forestry industry—the backbone of rural communities across our state—is facing mounting pressure from shifting market conditions, international trade challenges and the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). In recent days, two major actions from Georgia’s state leaders have reaffirmed our state’s commitment to defending forest landowners, loggers, and forest-based businesses.
In the wake of recent mill closures across the state, Governor Brian Kemp directed the Georgia Forestry Commission to lead a task force to address the full range of challenges facing Georgia’s forestry industry – including trade barriers, regulatory headwinds, and shifting market dynamics.
At the same time, more Georgia leaders are taking bold moves on the advocacy front. Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns spearheaded a joint letter signed with legislative leaders from Alabama, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Florida calling for urgent federal action to address trade challenges that are limiting forestry exports out of the U.S. South. With pulp and paper mill closures tightening domestic demand, access to international market remains critical to sustaining Georgia’s forestry economy. The letter included the following recommendations:
- Advocating for European Union approval of Sulfuryl Fluoride (SF) for fumigating wood chips in break-bulk ships bound for the EU
- Improving market stability and predictability by establishing a 90-day notice period before any tariff that could affect the flow of forest products into or out of the U.S. takes effect
- Advocating for reopening the Asian market for U.S. logs and chips through ongoing trade negotiations
- Clarifying language to assure our trading partners of the certainty of tariff exemption for U.S. raw materials
In addition, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper joined agriculture leaders from ten other Southern states in a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Treasury Department. The letter urged that any forthcoming federal agricultural assistance account for the impacts of foreign trade practices—particularly the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which threatens to penalize America’s sustainably-managed working forests, including those in Georgia.
GFA’s Position:
The Georgia Forestry Association commends Governor Brian Kemp, Speaker Jon Burns and Commissioner Tyler Harper for their leadership in standing up for Georgia’s forestry community. Their actions reflect a united front—across both legislative and executive branches—working to protect the markets that sustain forest landowners and rural communities.
We encourage our members to:
- Read the full letters from Speaker Burns and Commissioner Harper
- Stay informed through GFA’s policy updates and communications
- Share with your elected officials how these issues are impacting your business or community—your feedback strengthens our collective advocacy.