(NAFB.com) – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, joined by Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and other state officials, spent the last week of August in Brazil and Argentina meeting with business and agricultural leaders. According to Southeast Regional Ag News Kemp said the goal was to “replant a flag,” saying that he’s personally “been concerned about how much China and Russia have been playing in South America and the U.S. not so much over the last several years.” Kemp noted that South American companies have funneled more than $160 million into Georgia in the past six years, backing projects that created over a thousand jobs. Harper reminded producers why that matters: “Leveraging port systems and reducing trade barriers…are vital components of ensuring the continued success of agriculture.” According to Georgia Farm Bureau, the visit was aimed at strengthening global ties that ultimately benefit producers on both sides.