Georgia farm groups plan study of financial losses

ATLANTA - The agricultural industry in Georgia is preparing to commission a study of financial losses farmers say they suffered this year as a result of labor shortages.

Many farmers have complained that Georgia's tough new law targeting illegal immigration has scared away migrant Hispanic workers they depend on to pick their fruits and vegetables.

Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, says the study will help determine the amount of the farmers' losses, guide state lawmakers considering future legislation and bolster efforts to improve national guest-worker programs.

Hall says the study will be conducted by John McKissick, former director of the Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development at the University of Georgia.