Source:  NCDA&CS, 4/12/11

Archie Hart of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has been appointed to a committee that will advise U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on implementation of outreach and assistance efforts to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

The 15-member Minority Farmer Advisory Committee also will promote the participation of minority farmers and ranchers in U.S. Department of Agriculture programs. Committee members serve a two-year term.
Hart directs the NCDA&CS Office for Small Farm Policy, which provides services to small, limited-resource and minority farmers. He has worked for the department since 1992.

“Archie has worked tirelessly to educate small, limited-resource and minority farmers about policy and grant programs, and provide a voice to underserved populations,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “I am proud that USDA has chosen to put his knowledge and talent to use on this advisory committee.”

A Knightdale resident, Hart has served on numerous boards and committees, including the N.C. Small Farm Commission and the Tobacco Farm Life Museum Board of Directors. He also serves on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee.

Hart is a native of Union County. He is a graduate of N.C. A&T State University with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s degree in plant science. Before joining the NCDA&CS, he worked nine years for N.C. Cooperative Extension in Wake County.