Georgia is a step closer to getting a definition of “sustainable” agriculture, and it’s probably going to be a bit broader than the federal code.

The state language proposes the “sustainable” label for practices that are demonstrated to improve environmental health, farm productivity or food affordability, among other criteria.

That’s different from federal language that puts more emphasis on biological systems and cycles, Jennifer Owens, of Georgia Organics, said, though after her testimony to the House Agriculture Committee, a phrase was added mentioning sustainable “biological systems.”

“We’d like to see this consistent with what’s there” in federal law, she said, “to save our farmers some trouble.”

The bill does not affect legally defined organic agriculture, nor does it prohibit inorganic chemicals. There’s no date yet for House floor debate. It’s the first bill by freshman Rep. Susan Holmes, R-Monticello.

Representative seeks bikes on sidewalks

A brace of bills that would make it easier for people to legally ride bikes on sidewalks -- and would require a red taillight -- are ready to roll to the House floor after committee green lights. Rep. Doug McKillip, R-Athens, said one of his constituents, an elderly gentleman, asked for the sidewalk bill because he wants to lobby Athens-Clarke County for the right to a slower, safer ride above the curb, not a gamble with life on the road shoulder.

McKillip’s bill would allow cities and counties to make their own rules on sidewalk riding.

Compiled by Maggie Lee