Georgia Farm Bureau expanded its overall membership in fiscal year 2015, the first time in nine years the organization has experienced membership growth. Statewide GFB has 309,378 member families, up from 301,945 in 2014.

Effingham County Farm Bureau was among the 150 county Farm Bureaus across the state that increased their membership. ECFB increased its membership by 122 members in fiscal year 2015.

“I’d like to thank all of our county Farm Bureau staff and volunteers who have worked hard this summer to recruit new members and retain existing members,” said GFB President Zippy Duvall. “We couldn’t have done this without everyone pitching in.”

The increase in membership classifies Georgia as a “quota” state; quota states are recognized by the American Farm Bureau Federation, and the membership increase also contributes to GFB’s eligibility for other national awards given by AFBF.

The membership numbers are important because GFB is a grassroots organization, drawing its strength as the voice of Georgia Farmers from its membership. Members at the local level initiate the organization’s policy — the guidelines it follows in pursuing governmental support for agriculture.

“A lot of organizations are ‘top-down’ organizations in that their leadership drives everything they do,” Duvall said. “We pride ourselves on being a ‘bottom-up’ organization. We take our direction from what our members want.”

GFB continues to offer a collection of member benefits that far exceed the value of the $25 annual membership dues.

For a complete listing of GFB member benefits visit www.gfb.org/benefits/default.html.