Thread: Old News - Gov.-elect Perdue hears from farmers

Has NC Gov. Perdue spoke to ALIPAC, yet?

Gov.-elect Perdue hears from farmers

http://www.news-record.com/content/2008 ... om_farmers

Friday, December 12, 2008

By GARY D. ROBERTSON
Associated Press

RALEIGH (AP) - Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue took suggestions Friday from North Carolina farmers to improve one of the state's healthier industries during the recession but said she understood they're facing similar troubles like everyone else.

The 20 farmers participating in Perdue's round-table discussion mentioned strained lending markets, higher energy costs and limited access to rural high-speed Internet among their concerns.

Agriculture generates about one in every six jobs in the state and nearly 20 percent of state income, generating $8.7 billion in cash receipts, according to a presentation by North Carolina State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

"It's fundamentally a strong part of our economy," Perdue said afterward at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh. "The challenges they're having are challenges that all of our people are having."

This was Perdue's fifth stop on her "listening tour" since the Democratic lieutenant governor won the governor's race last month. She taking suggestions from the meetings to help set the priorities in her administration, which begins Jan. 10.

"I don't know if I can be a great governor - that's what my intention is - with your help unless I listen," she said. "I intend for this new administration to reflect my attitude of being hands on, and open to introspection, and open to criticism and partnership."

The banking and financial crisis has got farmers worried. Kirk Mathis, a Wilkes County poultry farmer, said the bad economy could threaten companies that transport grain to farmers because bankruptcies would lead to canceled contracts with growers.

Poultry and hogs generated 60 percent of the state's farming income in 2006, compared to 34 percent 25 years ago.

"We all need to be able to exist," said Jacob Parker, a soybean farmer from Tyrrell County, whose products help feed livestock. "We need to protect our animal agriculture."

Some farmers urged Perdue to get involved in finding a solution to illegal immigration and migrant worker issues, saying a steady supply of workers are needed to harvest crops.

"We do not have an industry without immigration or labor-force issues resolved. It's just that simple," said Cal Lewis, a blueberry grower in Pender County, who estimated 5,000 workers are needed each spring in three southeastern counties.

Meeting participants discussed opportunities for growth in the industry, such as organic produce, Christmas tree farms and even solar farms generating electricity. They also want university agricultural research stations to remain open. A series of public hearings are under way designed to determine their future.

And while tobacco income has fallen due to declining smoking rates and the 2004 tobacco quota buyout, overseas tobacco markets are expanding, said Keith Beavers, a leaf grower from Mount Olive.

Farmers also said they are worried about increased regulation, declining farmland acreage due to development and a disproportionate number of elderly farmers.

"I understand clearly the challenges that you have running a successful business and convincing the next generation to enter agriculture," she said. "So we got some great challenges ahead of us."

Some farmers urged Perdue to get involved in finding a solution to illegal immigration and migrant worker issues, saying a steady supply of workers are needed to harvest crops.

"We do not have an industry without immigration or labor-force issues resolved. It's just that simple," said Cal Lewis, a blueberry grower in Pender County, who estimated 5,000 workers are needed each spring in three southeastern counties.

Someone tell me again, HOW MANY VISA SYSTEMS DO WE HAVE?

And while tobacco income has fallen due to declining smoking rates

Due to extreem smoking taxes.......