Agriculture

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Mike is working tirelessly to support our farmers and rural communities.

Champion for Rural Economic Development

Mike proposed and oversaw the authorization of the Southeast Crescent Economic Commission, which will put a federal focus on jobs, worker training, small business and entrepreneurial development, in addition to health care and education, in our economically-distressed counties. Mike also advocated for a Value-Added Producer Grant Program, which assists small producers and offers extra help to young farmers and socially-disadvantaged farmers.

Rural broadband, biotechnology and BioAg Centers are other areas in which Mike successfully works, along with telemedicine and assistance to libraries in rural areas. Fire departments, rescue squads and EMS units, as well as law enforcement agencies, have been the beneficiaries of the congressman’s work on behalf of our rural communities.

Additionally, hospitals, hospices, town halls, courthouses, sewer systems and other community facilities have made a huge impact on the quality of life for citizens in southeastern North Carolina because of Mike’s leadership at home and advocacy for rural development on Capitol Hill.

Supporting Our Farmers

Mike is pleased to have introduced landmark legislation that is now law which bought out the tobacco program and compensates tobacco quota owners and growers. In addition, Mike is urging increased funding for USDA rural development programs.

Mike has worked with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to craft the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, commonly known as “the Farm Bill”, which addresses not only agriculture but also a wide variety of economic needs in small towns and rural communities.

From crop insurance for farmers to business loans for rural entrepreneurs, from forest preservation programs for private landowners to nutrition assistance for families, the Farm Bill provides a safety net for farmers in uncertain times and focuses on renewable energy as well as conservation. For the first time ever, this bill, which is now law, emphasizes fruits and vegetables with critical funding.