Note: This video is from related coverage. We are working to produce an updated clip.

IRIWN COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — Georgia farmers are set to take their concerns directly to state leaders Thursday, Sept. 3, as Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper and Republican nominee for governor Rick Jackson host an agriculture roundtable in Irwin County.

More than a dozen farmers from across Georgia are expected to participate in the discussion, which will focus on challenges facing the state’s agriculture industry, including concerns over consolidation and the need for greater competition in agricultural markets.

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The roundtable comes as farmers across South Georgia continue to face a number of financial and market pressures.

WALB has recently reported on farmers dealing with tight profit margins, rising input costs and uncertainty surrounding global trade. South Georgia peanut growers, for example, are heading into harvest while navigating international market pressures and a challenging growing season.

Georgia cattle producers have also raised concerns about market conditions and the potential impact of policies that could affect domestic producers. Harper previously said cattle producers have faced years of drought, rising input costs, tight margins, consolidated markets and herd liquidation.

>> RELATED COVERAGE: Georgia cattlemen warn Trump’s beef plan will disrupt local markets <<

Concerns over consolidation have also become part of the broader national agriculture conversation. Federal and state leaders have recently focused on expanding opportunities for smaller meat processors and creating more competition within agricultural markets.

For Georgia farmers, the issue is ultimately about whether growers have enough options to sell their products and remain profitable.

WALB’s Ashanti Drake has also reached out to Democratic nominee for governor Keisha Lance Bottoms for her perspective on the concerns facing Georgia farmers and the issues expected to be discussed at the roundtable. WALB is awaiting a response.

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