WASHINGTON – Two Georgia congressmen recently introduced a piece of legislation that would rename the USDA’s National Poultry Research Center in Athens Ga., after Francis “Abit” Massey.

Massey, who died in June at 96, served as president of the Georgia Poultry Federation for 48 years and was recognized across Georgia for leadership in the agricultural sector. He helped establish the state as a leading chicken producer that has now grown into a $4.2 billion industry.

Congressmen Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-Ga.) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-Ga.) introduced the measure on Aug. 12.

“Abit Massey was a Georgia icon who is already deeply missed,” Carter said. “His dedication to our agricultural industry cannot be overstated, rightfully earning him the nickname ‘Dean of the poultry industry.’ No one supported Georgia farmers more than Massey, and this renaming will help preserve his memory and influence for generations to come.”

Massey received numerous awards for his service to the poultry industry including the US Poultry & Egg Association’s 2012 Harold E. Ford Lifetime Achievement Award, the inaugural Medallion of Honor for Service to the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences and the 1986 UGA Alumni Merit Award.

Original co-sponsors include: Representatives Mike Collins (R-GA), Drew Ferguson (R-GA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Nikema Williams (D-GA), Rich McCormick (R-GA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Austin Scott (R-GA), David Scott (D-GA), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Rick Allen (R-GA), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).

In 2023, UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences published an article detailing Massey’s contributions to the State of Georgia and the poultry industry.