Washington, D.C. -— U. S. Representative Bob Etheridge proudly accepted the Outstanding Service Award from a joint-meeting of Corn Growers Association of NC, the NC Cotton Producers Association, the NC Small Grain Growers Association, and the NC Soybean Producers Association yesterday.
The groups are meeting in New Bern, NC for their 21st Joint Annual Conference.
“I am honored to accept this award and I remain honored to be able to help support this vital industry in our state,” Etheridge said. “Our farmers’ hard work on behalf of North Carolina agriculture is always foremost on my mind as I continue my work in Congress to make sure we invest in agricultural research and education, and provide support for farmers and rural communities.”
Agriculture is an integral part of North Carolina’s economy. Even though manufacturing, technology, and education and research industries have grown in North Carolina, agriculture is still the number one industry in our state. According to the North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, it is responsible for almost 20 percent of the state’s income and workforce.
In May 2008, Congress approved the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, a new five-year Farm Bill. The bipartisan bill affects every citizen in this country in some capacity, from nutrition and school lunch initiatives to renewable energy, to food security. The Farm Bill represents one of the most significant steps in agriculture policy reform in the last 15 years.
“I was glad to do my part to support your work when we passed the 2008 Farm Bill last year,” Etheridge said. “Now as member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and a member of the Trade Subcommittee, I will continue to be a voice for North Carolina agriculture and work to open up new markets for North Carolina’s agricultural industries.”