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Committee approves transfer of Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation to Department of Agriculture
Summary
The committee voted to move the Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation from the University System to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, retaining the center’s board, director and existing structure.
The Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee voted to recommend passage of a bill transferring the Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation from the University System of Georgia to the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Representative Meeks described the center, based in Tifton, as a small operation that supports rural communities by helping with grant applications, economic development and technical assistance. "It's got a board…a director…6 members appointed by the governor," Meeks said, and the bill does not change the center’s structure, staffing levels or core mission. He told the committee the change is primarily an administrative attachment to place the center under the Department of Agriculture for funding and oversight.
Committee members praised the center’s work. Representative Meeks and others said the center leverages its budget to support small towns and communities. A motion to "do pass" carried by voice vote; the transcript does not include a numerical vote tally.
The bill will advance with the committee recommendation to report and the sponsor said the center’s existing board, director and rules would remain unchanged under the Department of Agriculture.
