Public Policy
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 Process
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.
Public Policy Team
Linda Andrews - State Legislative Specialist
Jay Boyette, Director, Commodities - Peanuts, Tobacco, Field Crops (Grains), Poultry, Cotton, Farm Bill Implementation, Trade Issues
919-788-1019
Anne Coan, Director, Environmental Affairs - Water, NPDES/Non-Discharge Permit Issues, Animal Waste, AFO/CAFO Rules, Nutrient Trading, Sedimentation, River Basin Water Quality Plans & Rules, TMDLs, Phosphorus
919-788-1005
Debbie Hamrick, Director, Specialty Crops - Emerging Agricultural Enterprises, Apiculture, Aquaculture, Greenhouse, Nursery, Sod, Fruits & Vegetables, Herbs, Medicinals, Viticulture, Organic Production, Forestry
919-334-2977
Chester Lowder, Director, Livestock - Sedimentation, Soil & Water Conservation, Animal ID, Animal Welfare, Dairy, Beef Cattle, Equine, Swine, Specialty Livestock
919-788-1016
Paula Gupton Page, Director, State Legislative - All State Legislation, Labor Issues, Agricultural Health & Safety Council
919-782-1705
Mitch Peele, Senior Director, Public Policy - Air Quality, Biotechnology, Agricultural Chemicals, Water Resources, Energy, Endangered Species, Global Climate Change
919-788-1004
Paul Sherman, Director, Air & Energy Programs - Air Quality, Energy, Global Climate Change, Transportation
919-719-7292