State legislators are taking a hard look at Georgia’s forest industry challenges. A new report details the impacts of recent mill closures to the state’s economy and to affected Georgians. Georgia Tech estimates those closures will strike a $2.9 billion loss to the state, with nearly seven thousand jobs eliminated.
At Governor Brian Kemp’s direction, Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo led a special task force that examined current issues and possible solutions. The task force report details recommendations to bolster the forest products sector, diversify markets, and secure the industry’s long-term sustainability. The task force report lists budget priorities to be considered by legislators in the 2026 Georgia General Assembly, which began last week.
Recommended budget priorities are:
- Design and construction of a Mass Timber State Office to serve as a pilot project for future endeavors and attract a mass timber manufacturing facility to Georgia. ($2.6 million.)
- Expand Georgia Grown Wood Products marketing to strengthen current and future manufacturing investment. ($660,000).
- Support timber industry’s expansion into emerging markets through research, product testing, and private partnerships. Provide funding for Georgia Forestry Innovation Initiative with Georgia Tech. ($10.9 million).
For more than a century, Georgia’s forest industry has served as the cornerstone of our state’s economy. In 2024, the forest industry generated $880 million in tax revenue and had a $59.4 billion total impact on Georgia. However, four mill shutdowns and devastation caused by Hurricane Helene have created unprecedented challenges.
“This is a marathon, not a sprint,” said GFC Director Sabo. “To witness real change, it will require focused collaboration over the next several years. With the dedication of so many, I am confident Georgia will remain the #1 forestry state in the nation.”
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** The full Forestry Task Force Report can be found at https://gatrees.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Forestry-Task-Force-Report-FINAL.pdf.
For more information about services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.
