NC Farm Bureau's Public Policy staff works on commodity, environmental and regulatory issues on behalf of farmers and private landowners. Staff members work on a number of other issues such as energy, labor, trade, transportation, safety, and other broad based issues impacting agriculture. In dealing with these issues, staff works closely with NCFB Government Relations staff on federal and state legislation. In addition, staff often works with members in responding to individual farmer needs.

 

Policy development is the very foundation on which all other Farm Bureau activities are based. The position NCFB takes on legislation, regulations, or other public policy issues are determined by the policies that our voting delegates approve.

Our policies are derived through a grassroots policy development process that begins at the county level. County and state advisory committees serve an important role in surfacing areas of concern for various commodities and public policy areas. Once areas of concern are identified, counties decide whether to recommend policy related to those areas of concern and additional issues identified by members in the county. Policy recommendations that receive approval by the county Farm Bureaus are forwarded to the state Resolutions Committee for further consideration. Recommendations that are forwarded by the Resolutions Committee are reviewed by the voting delegates at the NCFB Annual Convention in December and, upon approval, become NCFB policy.

 

Jay Boyette - peanuts, tobacco, field crops (grains), poultry, cotton, Farm Bill implementation; energy; and trade issues

919-788-1019
Anne Coan - water quality; NPDES and non-discharge permit issues; animal waste; AFO/CAFO rules; nutrient trading; sedimentation; river basin water quality plans and rules; TMDLs; and phosphorus; and other environmental issues

919-788-1005

Debbie Hamrick - emerging agricultural enterprises; aquaculture; beekeeper, pollination and honey; ag nursery & greenhouse; fruits & vegetables; and forestry

919-334-2977

Chester Lowder - sedimentation; soil & water conservation; dairy; beef cattle; equine; swine; specialty livestock; energy; and other livestock and environmental issues

919-788-1016

Paula Gupton Page - all state legislation; and labor issues

919-782-1705
Mitch Peele - air quality; biotechnology; agricultural chemicals; water use; energy; agromedicine; various commodity issues and other regulatory issues

919-788-1004