Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., (D-GA) joined Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) in introducing H.R. 9242, a bill to rename the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Poultry Research Center in Athens, Georgia after the late President of the Georgia Poultry Federation, Francis “Abit” Massey.

Abit 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. Massey was instrumental in establishing Georgia as a leading chicken producer, which is now a $4.2 billion industry.

“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,” said Congressman Bishop.

“Abit Massey ws 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,” said Congressman Carter.  

For his dedication to Georgia’s agricultural community, he was recognized with the 1986 UGA Alumni Merit Award, the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s 2012 Harold E. Ford Lifetime Achievement Award, and the inaugural Medallion of Honor for Service to the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. 

Original co-sponsors include: Reps. Mike Collins (R-GA), Drew Ferguson (R-GA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Nikema Williams (D-GA), Rich McCormick (R-GA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Austin Scott (R-GA), David Scott (D-GA), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Rick Allen (R-GA), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).