"Farmers

pump a lot of money into the rural economies across the state as they

purchase farm supplies and ag equipment. Exempting farmers from paying

property taxes on their farm equipment will allow them to stay in business

during these economically challenging times created by the drought and

low commodity prices," said Wayne Dollar, Georgia Farm Bureau president.

Georgia agriculture

makes a significant contribution to the state's economy. In 1999, the

value of all farm commodities produced on Georgia farms statewide reached

$7.9 billion. The value of all farm commodities produced in Fulton County

in 1999 was $23.1 million.

The passage

of Referendum A would save Fulton County farmers approximately $7,675

in ad valorem taxes each year.

J. Wayne Stradling

South Fulton County Farm

Bureau, Palmetto