Blogging for Max

Secretary Johanns: “Max Burns will be that strong voice Georgia farmers need in Washington.”

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Max Burns, former Congressman and candidate for Georgia’s new 12th District, today campaigned with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns during visits in Georgia’s new 12th District.  Burns and Secretary Johanns met with farmers who’s fields have been affected by disaster, discussed farm policy with local 12th District farmers at a listening session in Bulloch County and toured a cotton gin and onion operation in Candler County.

“I appreciate Secretary Johanns visit to Georgia’s new 12th District,” said Burns.  “I am glad the Secretary was able to see what I already know: Georgia farmers grow the best food and fiber in the world.  I wanted the Secretary to hear first hand the needs of our farming community so he can take back to Washington what he learned from them and craft agriculture policy that is beneficial to Georgia farmers.”

“I am glad to be in Georgia and supporting Max Burns,” said Secretary Johanns.  “Max Burns is a farmer.  He understands agriculture.  He has a track record of getting things done and watches out for Georgia’s peanut and cotton farmers.  Max Burns will be that strong voice Georgia farmers need in Washington.”

Burns, who is the third generation to live on his family’s farm in Screven County, has spent a lifetime working in and around agriculture, growing corn, soybeans, hay, oats, and timber, and raising beef cattle.  During the 108th Congress, he served on the House Committee on Agriculture and the first bill Burns introduced in Congress was an agriculture disaster relief bill, which parts of Burns’ bill were eventually included in the final Omnibus Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2003.  Burns also authored the Sudden Oak Death Research Act, which President Bush signed into law.

Burns has made agriculture a central theme in his campaign to return to Congress.  The 110th Congress will re-write the farm bill, which dictates farm policy for the United States, and Burns wants a seat at the table so Georgia farmers are protected.  Burns also wants to expand the use of bio-fuels in Georgia, which will ultimately open up additional markets for Georgia’s farmers.  Burns will seek a seat once again on the Agriculture Committee work to advance policies beneficial to Georgia’s agriculture community.