Threatening farmers with fines and punishment for shipping their crops a few days early is just another example of how Georgia’s nanny state government harms businesses says Doug Craig chairman of the Libertarian Party of Georgia.
LP Georgia is responding to recent news of one farmer who determine when to ship his crop of Vidalia onions in violation of state rules while government agents watched. The state of Georgia is appealing a court ruling from last month that struck down the state’s rule that mandated when the onion crop could be shipped.
“Farmers should be allowed to harvest and ship their crops when farmers believe it’s the best time to do so,” said Doug Craig. “We stand with the farmer on this issue. We believe farmers have the expertise to determine what is best for their business and industry.”
Libertarians question why so called “conservatives” who claim to support less government are so supportive of regulations that dictate how business owners run their businesses and question why they support rules that threaten to destroy their investments.
A better solution, according to Mr. Craig would be to allow farmers to form associations that approve and certify the quality of the produce being offered on the market.
Mr. Craig points out that while the state agencies are monitoring onion growers, people have died from poisoned peanut butter from Georgia factories because the state claims they do not have enough staff to inspect processing facilities.
“Georgia should use its resources to protect the public from tainted foods not harassing farmers who are producing quality crops”, said Mr. Craig.
The Libertarian Party of Georgia was formed in 1972 and a state affiliate of the National Libertarian Party formed in 1971. The Libertarian Party is committed to America’s heritage of freedom: individual liberty, personal responsibility, and community.
