Rural Issues

As a native of eastern North Carolina, I understand the unique needs and challenges rural communities face. Agriculture is the lifeblood of the First Congressional District and the number one contributor to the North Carolina economy. In fact, our state is a national leader in the following agricultural products:

• #1 in the production of sweet potatoes and tobacco
• #2 in the production of Christmas trees, hogs, poultry, pigs, trout and turkeys
• #3 in the production of cucumbers and strawberries

When issues arise that adversely affect our farmers and livestock producers, such as the drought of 2011, I take action. The drought of 2011 damaged much of the nation’s corn crop and is driving up the cost of feed for our livestock producers.  In an attempt to relieve some of the demand pressure on corn and feed prices, I have joined my congressional colleagues in support of asking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a reduction of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).  The RFS is a worthy federal policy moving the U.S. beyond relying on fossil fuels supplied by foreign countries by mandating the use of ethanol fuels, which are largely produced from corn.  A one year adjustment of the RFS would decrease demand on corn and allow for drought conditions to pass resulting in price reductions that will help livestock producers to save on feed costs ultimately keeping grocery store prices for consumers low.

In addition, American farmers need a new five-year Farm Bill to establish federal agricultural policy nationwide for a five year period, providing them with a stable business environment to make the best possible decisions for their bottom lines.  A new Farm Bill would bring much needed reforms to federal agricultural policy that both parties have determined are unaffordable in the current fiscal climate.  These reforms would help reduce the federal deficit and allow us to fortify funding for other programs that work for our nation’s farmers. 

The Farm Bill also funds programs that benefit those in need.  Programs like the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),  commonly known as “food stamps,” also receive their authorizations from the Farm Bill.  Millions of people across our nation, and many families across eastern North Carolina rely on these programs to feed their families each day.

As the debate continues on the new Farm Bill, I will fight hard for the families and farmers in the First District, to ensure that funding for WIC and SNAP remain at the levels necessary to help the most vulnerable populations in eastern North Carolina.