Dear Georgia Sod Producers,

Thank you for your participation in the annual survey conducted by Dr. Clint Waltz, UGA Turfgrass. This year, the survey includes the annual inventory and pricing survey and a species/cultivars in production survey. This year, this data is especially critical, as he would like to determine if there are, as rumored, inventory shortages.  PLEASE help UGA by completing the survey.  

This data will be summarized from all surveys received, and a report will be issued that will include all species and cultivars grown in production for each grower, and will list (with your permission) company name, address, website, and telephone numbers for all growers that returned the survey. Individual company specific data will not be posted. 

The report will be posted on the Georgia Urban Ag Council (UAC) and University of Georgia Turfgrass websites, www.urbanagcouncil.com and www.GeorgiaTurf.com.  The report is a reference for landscapers, homeowners, golf course professionals, parks and rec managers, County Extension Agents, and others who desire a specific turfgrass species or cultivar.  Listing on the websites is for information and contact purposes only, and not intended as a promotional outlet.  

Please complete one survey per company.  All companies who complete the survey will be entered in drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card – perfect as an employee Christmas gift!

We’d also like to encourage you to help the Georgia Urban Ag Council, as we advocate for your sod farms.   The Georgia Urban Ag Council (UAC) was formed in 2011 when the Georgia Sod Producers Association, the Georgia Turfgrass Association and the Metro Atlanta Landscape Association merged.

In June, 2020, during the resumption of the Covid-19 shortened legislative session, an effort was make by some lawmakers to eliminate several sales tax exemptions.   Language inserted in HB 1035 would have eliminated the sales tax exemption we have for sod sold direct from the farm. It did NOT pass!

UAC’s efforts were directly responsible for this bill not passing:

  • UAC's lobbyist continued to share industry concerns with key Senators, explaining how the elimination of the exemption would put Georgia farm operations at a severe disadvantage to sod grown and sold from contiguous states, and UAC issued a letter to the Senate Finance Committee, expressing the merits of the sales tax exemption.
  • This bill was scheduled for a vote on the Senate floor, but thankfully, industry push-back killed the bill.
Lawmakers will continue watching state revenues over the next six months. Their desire to fund state programs will have them looking at the sod sales tax exemptions and others again in January 2021. UAC has already begun working with key legislators to share the reasons why the tax exemption is good for Georgia jobs as we compete with neighboring states. 

If you are not a member of the Georgia Urban Ag Council, please consider making an important investment today in YOUR industry's future. Visit UAC’s website at www.urbanagcouncil.com to apply for membership;  join today and receive $100 discount on 2021 membership investment! Select "Vendor" level and enter Discount Code join2021 for discounted membership dues for your first year of membership.

Thank you in advance.  Please call or email if you have any questions.

Clint Waltz, Turfgrass Specialist, University of Georgia  cwaltz@uga.edu  770-468-2370
Mary Kay Woodworth, Executive Director, Georgia Urban Ag Council  mkw@georgiauac.com  770-359-7337

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