Raleigh, N.C. - Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) announced Friday he plans to appoint Sen. Andrew Brock (R-Davie) and Sen. Brent Jackson (R-Sampson) as co-chairmen of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural and Economic Resources when the legislature convenes early next year.

"Agriculture is North Carolina's biggest industry, contributing more than $70 billion annually to our state's economy and employing approximately 17 percent of our work force," said Berger. "Sen. Brock and Sen. Jackson will promote policies to protect this vital industry and preserve our state's wonderful natural resources."