Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., (D-GA) have introduced a bill to rename the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Poultry Research Center in Athens, after the late Abit Massey of Gainesville, the late President-Emeritus of the Georgia Poultry Federation.
Massey, who passed in June at the age of 96, served as President of the Georgia Poultry Federation for 48 years and was recognized statewide for his leadership in the agricultural community and was instrumental in establishing Georgia as a leading chicken producer, which is now a $4.2 billion industry.
“Abit Massey was a Georgia icon who is already deeply missed. His dedication to our agricultural industry cannot be overstated, rightfully earning him the nickname ‘Dean of the poultry industry.’ No one supported Georgia farmers more than Massey, and this renaming will help preserve his memory and influence for generations to come,” Carter said.
“Earlier this summer, Georgia lost a giant of the poultry and agriculture industry. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Abit Massey over many years and was witness to his visionary leadership that has left an indelible mark on our state and country. This bill rightfully honors the man and his legacy, and I proudly join my friend and colleague, Congressman Buddy Carter in this bipartisan effort to rename the USDA poultry facility in Athens after Abit Massey,” Bishop added.