East Point Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham, State Rep. Kim Schofield and Agricultural Leaders Spotlight Federal Investments in Climate-Smart Farming

ATLANTA, GA) – Today, Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham of East Point, State Rep. Kim Schofield, Councilman Joe Carn of College Park, Bobby Wilson of the Metro Atlanta United Farms, and Chaundra Simmons gathered at The Metro Atlanta Urban Farm for a press conference to laud the transformative effects of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on Georgia’s agricultural landscape. Speakers expanded on the ways in which the IRA will increase climate-smart agricultural practices while bolstering Georgia’s robust agricultural economy.

Thanks to Senator Warnock, Senator Ossoff, and President Biden’s championing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Georgia’s agricultural and rural communities are on track to becoming leaders in climate-friendly practices while boosting their economic outlook. The IRA designates nearly $40 billion to climate-smart agricultural initiatives. Specifically, $19.5 billion enhances conservation methods like low-till farming and carbon sequestration, and an additional $14 billion encourages rural communities to adopt renewable energy sources, fostering both job growth and a cleaner environment.

As the 2018 federal farm bill nears its expiration, the event’s speakers highlighted the vital benefits of the IRA and passionately called on federal leaders to not only preserve but expand these crucial climate investments to further support our agricultural economy.

Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham of East Point remarked, “The IRA’s Smart Agricultural investments resonate with our city’s vision—ushering in an era where urban agriculture not only thrives as local businesses, but also contributes to a healthier environment for our residents. This initiative ensures our local farmers have the tools they need while also promoting sustainable practices and lowering costs for everyone.”

Sharing a personal narrative, Bobby Wilson noted, "Urban farming isn’t just about growing food—it’s a commitment to our community. Having first-hand felt the impacts of climate change at our farm, we embraced solar panels to adapt and innovate,” said Wilson. “The IRA’s Smart Ag investments can reduce food costs and uplift farmers by enhancing our profitability. It’s encouraging to see that more farmers will have access to these resources."

State Rep. Kim Schofield spoke on the importance of agriculture in her district and added, "Agriculture has always been a cornerstone of our great state and, indeed, my district. The IRA ensures that our deep-rooted connection to farming doesn’t just endure—it evolves. As we emphasize innovative and climate-smart practices, we’re not only preserving our agricultural heritage, but we’re also forging a path to a more sustainable and prosperous future.”

Speakers also addressed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that with potential rollbacks of the IRA’s provisions in the upcoming farm bill, leaders must remain focused and continue championing these investments.