Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp will lead a state delegation to Brazil and Argentina this week, aiming to expand economic development opportunities that benefit Georgia residents. Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper will join the mission to represent Georgia’s agriculture sector, alongside members of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). The group will also be joined by General Richard “Dwayne” Wilson during meetings with the Georgia National Guard and their Argentinian counterparts as part of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program.
“Companies from South America have invested over $160 million in Georgia over the last six years, with the bulk of investments and jobs coming from countries where Georgia is represented,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Since I took office, businesses that operate in Brazil have created over a thousand jobs for Georgians, with many investments strengthening established sectors like our No. 1 industry of agriculture. We’re always eager to grow those pipelines of opportunity so more Georgians in all parts of the state can benefit. Likewise, we look forward to thanking the brave men and women of the Georgia Guard and their partners in Argentina who are supporting our shared security goals.”
The trip itinerary includes meetings with firms already operating or building facilities in Georgia, such as JBS—whose subsidiary Pilgrim’s supports an estimated 9,000 jobs statewide—and Taurus, which relocated its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing operations to Bainbridge in 2019. The delegation will also mark the 30th anniversary of Georgia’s economic office in Brazil.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper highlighted trade as key for farmers: “I’m proud to join Governor Kemp, Commissioner Wilson, and other state leaders on this important trade mission to South America, and I look forward to working with our partners in Brazil and Argentina to continue to build upon our already strong relationship,” he said. “The success of Georgia’s #1 industry depends on our farmers’ ability to get their goods to market, and leveraging Georgia’s port system and reducing trade barriers with countries around the globe are vital components of ensuring the continued success of Georgia agriculture and our state as a whole.”
Pat Wilson, GDEcD Commissioner, noted: “This year is the 30th anniversary of Georgia’s representation in Brazil, an incredible milestone for one of the state’s top 20 trade partners and proof of Georgia’s lasting partnerships in international markets,” he said. “Through our ports and collaborations such as the Delta Air Lines-LATAM partnership, Georgia’s connectivity to South America means opportunity. Brazil and Argentina are home to some of the largest agriculture and infrastructure companies in South America, aligning with Georgia’s strong agribusiness and food and beverage industries as well as the state’s continued growth and investments in infrastructure development.”
Georgia has maintained continuous representation in Brazil since 1995. In 2024 alone, exports from Georgia to Brazil reached $748 million while exports to Argentina totaled $120 million. Other companies included on the mission’s agenda are CSN (Brazilian National Steel Company), Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services (EAMS) operating at Middle Georgia Regional Airport; GranBio through its subsidiary AVAPCO LLC; AGCO headquartered in Georgia but active across South America; Guidoni Group; and BERSA—a firearms manufacturer based in Argentina with a facility in Cartersville.
