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Hagan supports USDA’s Minority Farmer Advisory Committee
Story Date: 8/17/2011
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Source: PRESS RELEASE, 8/16/11
U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (NC) today applauded the efforts of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Minority Farmer Advisory Committee after the group’s first meeting last week. The Committee will help ensure fair and equal access to USDA services. Archie Hart, a farmer from Knightdale, N.C., was selected to serve on the committee.
“Agriculture is a $78 billion industry in North Carolina, and it is imperative that this critical sector of our economy be open and accessible to all of our residents,” said Hagan. “This committee wouldn’t be complete without a seat at the table for North Carolina and I am proud that Secretary Vilsack selected Archie Hart of Knightdale to serve on the panel. I look forward to hearing the group’s first set of recommendations.”
Last Congress, Hagan worked closely with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and others to successfully pass the Pigford Claims Funding Act to ensure that African-American farmers who were unfairly discriminated against when applying for loans, credit and other forms of financial help would receive their due settlements. The discrimination affected 4,000 African-American farmers in North Carolina and 75,000 farmers nationwide.
The Advisory Committee’s first meeting was held in Tennessee. North Carolinians who wish to submit comments may submit them to: Henry Searcy, Jr., Designated Federal Officer, OAO, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Whitten Bldg., 520-A, Washington, DC 20250, 202-692-4119.
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