09/07/2026
𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿!
GATE card holders—now is a good time to check your card and make sure you know when it’s up for renewal. Our editor, Jay Jones, has the details on GATE card renewals in the latest issue of the Market Bulletin.
Read the full story below and make sure you’re up to date!
***
"GATE participants reminded to update their information"
By Jay Jones
The Georgia Department of Agriculture encourages participants in the Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE) program to update their business and contact information now as a measure to avoid delays going into the new card issuance process at the end of the year.
The GATE program began in 2013 to allow state and local sales tax exemptions on eligible agricultural purchases by qualified farmers or producers. GATE membership is valid for three years. The program issues a plastic wallet-size card and two plastic key fobs annually for active members to use at the point of sale at retailers.
Cardholders can avoid delays in getting their 2027 GATE cards by ensuring their contact and name information are correct by Sept. 30, said William Rutherford, Georgia Department of Agriculture chief information officer.
“When the new cards are sent out, and if we have the correct address, it will cut down significantly on the returned mail we receive,” Rutherford said. “For GATE members, making sure we have their correct information means they will reduce any delays from receiving their 2027 cards.”
About 48,000 active GATE members are enrolled in the program. Rutherford explained that the process of printing the plastic cards for the coming year starts this month. GATE administrators will use the time from September through October to check for mailing address changes in preparation for the cards to be mailed out.
GATE participants can update their mailing address, email address, or phone number by logging into the GATE program website at agr.georgia.gov/GATE and using the “Update Information” button.
To change the company name, company’s physical location, or contact person’s name, GATE participants must provide the updated information to GDA directly. The best way to notify the GDA is by sending an email to [email protected]. GATE participants may also call 855-FARMTAX (855- 327-6829) if they need to speak to someone.
Rutherford also urged GATE participants to have a valid and regularly checked email address to receive the latest program information throughout the year.
GATE participants can save significantly on sales taxes on purchases of various items associated with their agricultural operations. Those seeking GATE certification must be actively involved in agriculture and generate at least $5,000 from their operation in a 12-month period. Seven tax forms listed on the GATE website are accepted. According to GATE requirements, producers can use one or more tax forms to prove their ag revenue.
The $5,000 income qualification can be aggregated across multiple crops or the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Farmers and producers considering applying to the GATE program can find the NAICS codes for eligible crops on the GATE website.
The GATE website, agr.georgia.gov/GATE, has a complete list of items designed as exempt. The items fall into four categories: machinery and equipment; plant, crops, and irrigation; livestock and poultry; and energy, fuel, and shipping. Rutherford said these lists are long and encouraged cardholders and retailers to review them and contact the GATE office with any questions.
Other news: Each year, one-third of all GATE certificates are up for renewal. Check the back of your GATE card to find the certificate expiration date to see if you will need to renew for another three years beginning in 2027. The renewal period begins Nov. 1.
