Business, Forestry and Agriculture Leaders Unite to Advance Sustainable Aviation Fuels

Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Forestry Association and Delta Air Lines Launch Georgia SAF Coalition 

ATLANTA, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia agriculture and forestry producers and the business community have teamed up to create the Georgia Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Coalition, a new partnership focused on positioning the state as a national leader in sustainable aviation fuel research and production. Founding organizations include the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Forestry Association, and Delta Air Lines, working together to accelerate domestic production of biofuels that utilize Georgia grown agriculture and forestry feedstocks.

Sustainable aviation fuel can be produced from a variety of feedstocks to reduce emissions from air transportation and is designed to be compatible with existing aircraft and fueling infrastructure. While SAF currently represents a small share of global fuel supply, demand is rising quickly across global markets as production scales and interest from airlines and customers continues to accelerate.

Thanks to strong political and business leadership, Georgia has built a foundation to grow the capacity needed to produce ag- and forestry-derived SAF. The Georgia SAF Coalition aims to accelerate that growth by better coordinating public-private partnerships, more closely aligning university research with industry needs, and considering avenues to attract investment.

The coalition's launch builds on the momentum of Georgia's Keep Georgia Forested Act, which encourages investment in forestry manufacturing, including the production of biofuels from Georgia-based feedstocks. The legislation, signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp in May 2026, enhances Georgia's competitiveness by allowing certain tax credits to be transferred. This change allows companies to monetize credits during the critical early stages of construction and operations, when workers are being hired and capital needs are highest. That investment reaches beyond aviation, creating new markets for Georgia farmers and forest landowners and sustaining demand for locally grown feedstocks.

Georgia's combination of agriculture and forestry resources, world-class research institutions, logistics infrastructure, and industry leadership positions the state to become a leader in sustainable aviation fuel development and production.

"This is about aligning Georgia's natural strengths with real market demand," said Katie Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. "Georgia is making a serious play for a piece of the emerging sustainable aviation fuel market. By bringing global companies, producers, researchers, and the agricultural community all to the same table, we are building a powerful biofuels ecosystem that serves the entire state and connects us to the world."

"For farmers across Georgia, sustainable aviation fuel could open new markets for our agricultural commodities, offering new opportunities and increased profitability," said Tom McCall, President of Georgia Farm Bureau. "Partnerships like the Georgia SAF Coalition help connect broader economic innovation to agriculture, the number one industry in our state."

"Georgia is the number one forestry state in the nation, and our state's 22 million acres of working forests are among the most productive in the world," said Tim Lowrimore, President & CEO, Georgia Forestry Association. "SAF provides a chance to put that resource to work in a growing market which means new demand for landowners, new jobs in rural Georgia and new manufacturing investment in the communities that need it most. This coalition makes sure producers are at the table from day one."

"Georgia is well positioned to become a national leader in SAF," said Peter Carter, President of Delta Air Lines. "The Georgia SAF Coalition unites organizations committed to advancing that opportunity. Together, we can power the growth of a SAF industry that strengthens Georgia's economy, supports innovation, and creates lasting benefits for communities across the state."

"Sustainable aviation fuel represents a significant opportunity for the nation's agricultural and forestry sectors and the rural communities that support them. The Georgia SAF Coalition brings together producers, industry leaders and other stakeholders to help unlock new markets, drive innovation and strengthen American energy leadership. Georgia has the resources and expertise to play an important role in the future of SAF while creating economic opportunities across the state. I am glad to see the public-private partnerships behind the effort to allow Sustainable Aviation Fuel to take flight," said Stephen Vaden, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Prior to launch, coalition members joined the Georgia Research Alliance in successfully advocating for state funding for a Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar. This research will focus on the forestry sector and help identify emerging opportunities, including biofuels.

Founding members of the Georgia SAF Coalition include Delta Air Lines, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Forestry Association, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber. Anchor partners include Boeing, Cox Enterprises, and Norfolk Southern, with additional support from supporting partners RYAM and Gulfstream Aerospace.

Research, education and community partners include the Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Research Alliance, Georgia Southern University, Technical College System of Georgia, University of Georgia, Clean Cities Georgia, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Association of Manufacturers, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and the National Federation of Independent Business.

The coalition's immediate priorities are: recruiting SAF and biofuels facilities to Georgia, connecting university research to industry needs, and building the supply chain that links Georgia's forests and farms to aviation customers.

Learn more or join the coalition at gasaf.org.

About the Metro Atlanta Chamber

The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) serves as a catalyst for a more prosperous and vibrant region. We work to advance economic growth and improve metro Atlanta's quality of life across the 29-county metro Atlanta region. MAC expands the region's thriving economy, advocates for a competitive business climate, and elevates metro Atlanta's story on a global scale. To learn more, visit MetroAtlantaChamber.com.

About the Georgia Farm Bureau

Founded in 1937, the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation is the state's largest general farm organization with 158 chapter offices that cover all of Georgia's 159 counties. As a membership-driven, nongovernmental organization, GFB serves as the voice of Georgia farmers and rural Georgia by advocating for them on legislative issues and promoting Georgia commodities. Its volunteer members actively participate in activities that promote agriculture awareness. For more, visit gfb.org.

About the Georgia Forestry Association

Founded in 1907, the Georgia Forestry Association is the leading advocate for Georgia's forestry community, representing forest landowners, forest product manufacturers, forestry professionals and businesses across the forestry supply chain. GFA works to promote a healthy business and political climate that protects private property rights, supports healthy markets and enhances the value of Georgia's working forests. Learn more at gfagrow.org.

About Delta Air Lines

Delta serves more than 300 destinations on six continents, connecting customers to the people and places that matter most. With approximately 100,000 employees worldwide and a commitment to delivering a world-class customer experience, Delta continues to lead the industry through innovation, operational excellence and customer service. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta operates key hubs and markets across the United States and around the globe. As a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, Delta and its airline partners provide customers with extensive global connectivity and travel options. For more information, visit Delta.com or news.delta.com.

Media contact: Abby Turano, [email protected]

SOURCE Georgia SAF Coalition