RBR KFM 7411.62 .L4S 1987 Cpt.23 North Carolina. Lttglalative **••••««»» CoMMlaalon reports RBR XFN 7411.62 .L45 1987 tpt:.23 North Carolina. Lagialatlva R«««arch Coaalaalon raporta NOT TO BE REMOVED FROM UNC LAW LIBRARY REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, AND SEAFOOD AWARENESS STUDY COMMISSION REPORT TO THE 1987 GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA A LIMITED NUMBER OF COPIES OF THIS REPORT IS AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE LIBRARY. ROOM 2126, 2226 STATE LEGISLATIVE BUILDING RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27611 TELEPHONE: (919) 733-7778 OR ROOM 500 LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27611 TELEPHONE: (919) 733-9390 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, AND SEAFOOD AWARENESS STUDY COMMISSION JANUARY ]987 REPORT TO THE 1987 GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction 1 Commission's Charges 1 Commission Membership 2 Technical Advisory Committee 3 Proceedings 4 Agriculture 8 Findings 8 Recommendations 12 Forestry 16 Findings 17 Recommendations 18 Seafood 20 Findings 20 Recommendations 22 General Findings and Recommendation Applicable to All Industries 23 Findings 24 Recommendations 25 Appendix A 27 Appendix B 29 Appendix C 31 INTRODUCTION Historically, the agriculture, forestry, and seafood industries have played an essential and vital role in support- ing both the rural and urban populations cf North Carolina. In recent years, all of these industries have experienced severe financial setbacks and instability due to inclement weather, inflation, reduction in foreign exports, and other unavoidable circumstances. In order to insure that the agriculture, forestry, and seafood industries maintain their ability to produce for future needs, the 19R3 General Assembly enacted HB 1169 (Chapter 915, 1983 Session Laws) creating the Agriculture, Forestry, and Seafood Awareness Study Comjnission . The Cominis- sion was successful in 1903 through 1985 in its findings and recommendations for the Agriculture, Forestry and Seafood industries. Based on this success, the 1985 General Assembly permanently established the Agriculture, Forestry, and Seafood Awareness Study Commission in the law (Chapter 792, 1985 Session Laws) , so it could continue to study these three industries (See Appendix A for legislation). The major purpose of the Commission continues to be focusing public attention on the importance of these three industries to North Carolina's economy. Commission's Charge The charge to the Commission by the General Assembly contains the following directions for studying the agriculture, forestry, and seafood industries: 1. Study the influence of these industries on the economy of the State. 1 2. Develop alternatives for increasing the public awareness of these industries. 3. Study the present status of the three industries. 4. Identify the problems limiting the future growth of these industries. 5. Develop an awareness of the importance of science and technological development to the future of these industries . 6. Formulate plans for new State initiatives and support for the three industries. These directions formed the foundation of the Agriculture, Forestry, and Seafood Awareness Study Commission's review of these industries and serve as a basis for its final recommenda- tions . Commission Membership The membership of the Commission includes citizens of North Carolina who are interested in the vitality of the agriculture, forestry, and seafood sectors of the State's economy. Nine members of the Commission are appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Lieutenant Governor, with each official appointing three. The following individuals also serve on the Commission: 1. Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee 2. Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee 3. Commissioner of Agriculture or his designee 4. Member of the Board of Agriculture 5. Presidont of the N. C. Farm Bureau or his designee 6. Master of the N. C. Grange or his designee 7. The Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Community Development The Co-chairmen of the Commission are the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and Chairman of the House Agricul- ture Committee (See Appendix B for membership list) . Technical Advisory Committee The new logisJation for the Agriculture, Forestry and Seafood Awareness Study Commission authorir.ed it to appoint a Technical Advisory Committee. Members of the committee are from the various organizations, commodity groups, associations, and companies representing agriculture, forestry, and seafood. The purpose of the? Technical Advisory Committee is to render technical advice and assistance to the Commission (See Appendix C for membership list) . PROCEEDINGS The sixteen iromber Agriculture, Forestry, and Seafood Awareness Study Cominission held its first meeting on November 15, 1986 and was organized under the leadership of Representa- tive Vernon G. James of Pasquotank County and Senator James D, Speed of Franklin County. The Commission viewed the findings and recommendations in its March 1985 report to the General Assembly. Many of the Commission's recommendations were considered and approved by the 1985 General Assembly, Based on this success during the previous sessions, the Commission agreed to continue pinpointing problems and develop- ing an awareness of the importance of the Agriculture, Forestry, and Seafood industries to the economy of North Carolina, The Commission also agreed that there was still a need for new State initiatives to assist these three industries. The Legislative Research Cominission referred the study of perishable food marketing to the Agriculture, Forestry and Seafood Study Commission. This study is based on SB 718 introduced by Senator Marc Basnight. The purpose of the study was to study the marketing of perishable food items and agricultural commodities produced in North Carolina including the adequacy of ej:isting marketing for these items. While this legislation was not formally reviev/ed, the marketing of all perishable food items and agricultural commodities has and continues to be a major focus of the Agriculture, Forestry and Seafood Awareness Study Commission, At its Fobruary 13, 1986 meeting, the Commission appointed the members of the Technical Advisory Commission so they could begin formulating recommendations for the agriculture, forestry, and seafood industries. The Commission heard reports from the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Natural Resources and Community Development about their efforts in marketing N. C. agricultural, forestry, and seafood products. In addition, the Commission hoard about new forest fire suppression needs from Harry Layman, Director of the Division of Forest Resources; and the problems with shellfish leases from Ed McCoy, acting Director of the Division of Marine Fisheries. The Commission concluded this meeting v/ith a series of reports on the status of agricultural financing. Gerald White of Tarheel Farm Credit, Al.len Spalt of the Pural Advancement Fund, and Larry Godwin of the Farmers Home Administration discussed the problems occurring in agricultural financing . At its third meeting the Agriculture, Forestry, and Seafood Awareness Commission heard several reports. Jim Olsen, Director of the Crop and Livestock Reporting Service reported the results of a survey determining the financial status of farmers in North Carolina. The survey found that 19.2% of farmers surveyed had debt-to-assct ratios of 40% and above. Mr. Jerry Ganey from the State Ports Authority spoke on the role of the State Ports in assisting the marketing of N. C. agriculture forestry and seafood industries. There was discussion on the storage of grain at the ports. Ms. Carla Petrrson of the Fiscal Research Division pre- sented information on State tax incentives available for N, C. farmers. Farmers receive tax advantages from the income, sales, and property taxes with the largest advantages to farmers coming from the sales tax. The meeting ended with a report from James Harrington, Secretary of the Department of Transportation, on the abandon- ment of the Albemarle Sound Railroad Bridge. The bridge is obsolete and would cost $20 million to replace. He reported that the Department of Transportation is considering several alternatives to replacing the bridge. Whale the Agriculture, Forestry and Seafood Awareness Study Commission was meeting, its Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) , under the chairmanship of the former Senator Vernon White, began holding its own meetings. They met five times in 1985 to develop recommendations for the Agriculture, Forestry and Seafood Awareness Studv Commission. Initially, the Techni- cal Advisory Committee prepared recommendations for the Commis- sion before the 1986 Session of the General Assembly. These initia] recommendations were reviewed by the Commis- sion at its September 10, 1986 meeting. Since many of the TAC ' s recommendations were enacted by the 1986 General Assem- bly, the Commission requested that the? Technical Advisory Committee revise its recommendations and present them at the next meeting of the Agriculture, Forestry and Seafood Av/areness Study Commission. In addition to the TAG ' s rcconunendations , the Commission began reviewing the needs of the Departments of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Community Development and the School of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State Universi- ty. For its next meeting, the Commission requested that each department provide in writing a list of their priorities and recommendations for the 1987 General Assembly. At the November 5, 1986 meeting, the Agriculture, Forestry and Seafood Awareness Study Commission reviewed the recommenda- tions of the Departments and tlie Technical Advisory Committee for final consideration. In addition, Billy Ray Hall from the North Carolina Commission on Jobs and Economic Growth reported on the findings of that conmiission and the needs of rural communities . As a result of the Commission having numerous representa- tives of all threi; industries present information concerning the status of each industry and with assistance of its Technical Advisory Committee, the Commission has identified numerous findings relating to all three industries. Findings have been studied and reviewed bv the Commission and specific efforts that can or should be taken by the 1987 General Assembly have been stated. Consequently, the pages that follow provide a brief introduction on the significance of each industry to the State's economy, a delineation of the Commission's findings, and subsequently, the Commission's recommendations to the 1987 General Assembly. AGRICULTURE As one of North Carolina's oldest industries, agriculture makes an important and incalculable contribution to the State's economy. With nearly 79,000 individual farms scattered across the State and nearly 6 million acres of cropland in production during a typical year. North Carolina is blessed with a diversity of farms and crops produced. Still, the sheer volume of farms and acres of cropland in production can easily lead one to underestimate the full impact of agriculture to the State's economy. While one-third of our farms generate annual sales greater than ."plOjOOO nearly two-thirds generate sales less than $10,000 per year. Rut, when agriculture and agriculture-related industries are combined, they become the number one contributor to the North Carolina economy. Agriculture and the agribusiness industry, though, are experiencing serious financial problems. Many family farmers continue to leave the industry due to bankruptcy and corporate takeovers, and young individuals have shown a tendency to favor other professions. While many sound reasons can be offered for the current economic state of the industry, these factors -- farmers leaving the industry, farms being lost, and young individuals opting for other professions have had adverse impacts and signal that the industry is in a state of flux. To address some of the industries' problems and assist it in maintaining its viable economic standing as part of the North Carolina economy, the Agriculture, Forestry, and Seafood Awareness Study Commission makes the following findings and recommendations to the 1987 General Assembly: 8 FINDINGS - AGRICULTURE 1 . Adequate financing continues to be a serious problem for many farmers. Almost 20% of North Carolina farmers have debt-to-asset ratios above 70% with at least 4% of these farmers being technically insol^'ent. The usual governmental and private sources of farm financing are drying up and many farmers cannot find adequate financing. 2. A changing and rapidly diversifying agricultural economy has created new challenges and opportunities to expand existing markets or develop new markets for North Carolina agricultural products. 3. More agricultural processing and canning facilities are needed to process the agricultural products produced by North Carolina. 4. The ever changing status of agricultural technology requires constant public support for agricultural field research to assist farmers in improving net farm income and providing auality products for consumers . 5. The orderly implementation of multidisciplinary pest control programs including both the use of biological control and pesticides is in the best interest of the environmental agricultural production because the impact of pesticides on the environment is a growing interest and the use of chemical pesticides is one of the most costly ^actors in agricultural production. Biological control is an acceptable way to deal with those problems. 6. North Carolina's comparative advantage in agricultural production and marketing vis-a-vis other regions and countries is highly dependent upon a strong research base and the timely delivery of research based technology to the producer and marketing firm. Also volatile economic conditions in recent years have placed serious financial strain on many farm families, businesses and rural communities. North Carolina's farmers, commodity organizations, farm organizations and the agribusiness community have identified improved business management, financial management and marketing skills as the producers most critical need in the years ahead. Improved economic decision-making is essential to the future financial stability of these groups, 7. The release of pesticides into soil, air and v/ater creates potential health and environmental problems that subsequently demand increased attention and resources . 8. Greater awareness and knowledge of agriculture and the agribusiness industry by the citizens of North Carolina is needed if agriculture is to be appreciated for the significant contributions to our health and State economy. 10 9. Numerous factors have contributed to the dilemna faced by the agricultural industry. Many of these factors are influenced by po] icies established by the U. S. Government. Few, if any, negative forces contributing to Agriculture's dilemna are the exclusive result of State policies. 10. The loss of farms and farm land appears to be a serious, complex phenomenon resulting from many competing social, cultural, and economic forces. 11. The North Carolina Agriculture Cost Share Program administered by the Division of Soil and Water Conservation and the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control is decreasing nonpoint source pollution from agricultural operations in 33 counties along the coast or in nutrient sensitive watersheds. 12. Migrant labor lav/s and regulations are enforced by four state agencies with different standards that are confusing farmers who try to obey the laws. 14. The North Carolina Milk Commission has alv;ays supported North Carolina dairy farmers but it's regulatory responsibility is being challenged. 15. The poultry industry has become the number one agricultural industry in North Carolina. RECOMMENDATIONS - AGRICULTURE 1 . The Commission strongly recommends that the General Assembly encourage immediate action by the North Carolina Agricultural Finance Authority and the Governor's Farm Finance Task Force to develop a strategy of action to solve the critical needs of the family farmer in North Carolina. 2. The Commission recommends that the General Assembly expand the purposes for the Northeastern and Southeastern North Carolina Farmers' Markets authorized during the 1986 Session, to insure that the markets serve the needs of farmers and communities in these areas. The expanded purposes for the markets should include providing processing and packaging equipment and facilities to accomjnodate locally and regionally grown crops and livestock. In addition, the 1987 General Assembly should appropriate funding to provide personnel to promote and obtain markets for products flowing through these farmers' markets. 3. In 1986, the General Assembly appropriated $300,000 to plan a I.aboratorv/Conference Center at the Tidewater Research Station. The Commission recommends that the 1987 General Assembly continue to support the construction of this facility by appropriating $5,091,900. 4. The Commission recommends that the General Assembly- support efforts to develop a Farmers' Market in the Triad. 5. The Commission recommends that the General Assembly reconsider State laws and regulations for migrant labor by establishing a Legislative Commission to study this issue. 6. The Commission recommends that the General Assembly establish a Legislative Study Commission to study how State anti-trust laws could be strengthened and amended to prevent nonpolicies of agricultural markets . 7. The Commission recommends that the General Assembly establish a Legislative Study Commission to study ways to maintain the North Carolina Milk Commission. In addition, the Commission recommends that dairy farmers be included in the membership of the Legislative Commission. 8. The Commission strongly supports the Department of Agrilculture ' s expansion and capital requests for the 1987-89 biennium. The Department is requesting $36,543,569 for the 1987-89 biennium in expansion and and capital improvements which will directly meet many of the needs of agrilculture. In summary, the Department of Agriculture's major request is for the biennium includes the following items: 13 (a) $2,592,600 to pro^'ide support for agricultural marketing at the farmer's level on a regional basis and to match farmers production capabilities with market availability. (b) $1,489,625 to provide support for establishing trade offices in the Far East and Europe, and conduct export sales missions and exhibits at strategic international food shows. (c) $217,353 to d(?velop and maintain a North Carolina Agricultural Economic model. (d) $2,017,410 to construct a Biological Post Control Laboratory and $572,624 to provide staffing and support for the facility. (e) $1,359,385 for a construction supplement for the Raleigh Farmers Market. All of these efforts have the potential of significantly improving the union of North Carolina farmers and the quality of agricultural products for North Carolina consumers. The Commission recommends that the General Assembly appropriate funds for budget requests from the 1987-89 North Carolina Agricultural Research Service and North Carolina Agricultural Extension Service for agricultural research and the timely transfer of new technology and products which can enhance N. C. agriculture's profitability and competitiveness in the region and the world. These requests require $9,100,000 during the 1987-88 biennium. 14 10. The Commission also recommends that the General Assembly appropriate $14,709,000 for capital improvements for the Agricultural Research and Extension Service at North Carolina State University including $7.2 million for renovations and an addition to Scott Ha]l, the poultry science building. 11. The Commission supports the expansion of the Agricultural Cost Share Program for Nonpoint Pollution Control. It is recommended that this program be expanded statewide in a timely fashion so farmers across the state can utilize this program. 12. The Commission strongly recommends that the 1987 General Assembly enact a joint resolution requesting that the U. S. Congress delay implementation of the conservation provisions of the 1985 Farm Bill (Title VII) . 15 FOP^ESTRY Forestry is extremely important to the future of this state, both economically and environmentally. North Carolina has almost 20 million acres of forests, two-thirds of its total land area, which are owned by 245,000 private landowners. Without question, North Carolina is among the ration's top five forestry states. Forestry ranks as the second largest industry, employing one of every fourteen workers and contributing over eight billion dollars annually to the State's economy. Thirty to forty years from now, the desirable trees currently being planted or regenerated naturally will be worth three hundred million dollars per year to landowners and the State. If our forest land were adequately managed, this production could be doubled and would put North Carolina in a good position to support its forest industries, as well as to export its forest products. Equally important are the inherent values forests offer to the quality of life in our State: soil protection and development, good water quality, aesthetics, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, and clean air. The Commission, recognizing these important contributions and the need to maintain them for the State's economy and environment, continues to support the concepts and plans embodied in "Pathv/ays for Forestry in North Carolina" by making the following findings and recommendations to the 1987 General Assembly. Forestry 1. Market development in .likely to have a significant impact on forestry; including production, development and preservation of forest resources. Information provided to the Commission indicates that marketing is an important element that needs to be strengthened in all three industries. 2. Approximately 70% (15 million acres) of the total forest area in North Carolina is owned by non-industrial private landowners. Only 50% (7.5 million acres) of this acreage, owned by private landowners, is currently being managed to insure reforestation after harvesting has occurred. The remaining 50% is not being managed. In addition, many non-industrial private landowners do not make investments in forest management because they are unav;are of the long term benefits of sound forest management practices or are unwilling to make such long term investments. 3. Forest fires, natural disasters, insects, and diseases all pose threats to our State's forest resources and the preservation of those resources. 4. Prescribed burnino and increased arson awareness are two ways the state can reduce the threat of forest fires . 17 5. The State Foresters indicated that the principal problem in North Carolina is the relative lack of management and reforestation by private owners who now own 70% of the state's commercial forestland. 6. Inadeaiiate and absolute fire suppression equipment if adversely impacting the Division of Forest Resources ability to effectively respond to and control forest fires . 7. Many of the facilities operated by the Division of Forest Resources are in disrepair and are failing to meet the firefighting needs of the State. RECOMMENDATIONS - Forestry 1. To insure that the DivisJon of Forest Resources has adequate resources for fire suppression, the Commission recommends the reinstatement of the five-year fire suppression plan which was started in FY 1983-84 by the General Assembly. Necessary funding for implementation of the second and third years of the plan is ?4, 729, 822 for the 1987-89 biennium. With these funds, the Division of Forest Resources will add equipment and personnel to areas with inadequate coverage. In addition, the Commission recommends that the General Assembly appropriate $500,000 to replace obsolete fire suppression equipment. 2. For improved fire prevention, the Commission recommends that the General Assembly appropriate $213,922 for expansion of prescribed burning and $175,645 for an increased arson awareness program to improve arson investigations and increase public awareness of wood arson. 3. The Commission recognizes the importance of using young offenders in forestry programs, and recommends that the General Assembly appropriate $99,961 to expand the forestry camp to 75 young offenders. 4. The Commission recommends that the General Assembly appropriate $200,000 to expand the Forest Best Management Practices Program to the coastal counties for the purpose of decreasing sedimentation from forest and run-off on the forest lands of North Carolina . 5. The Commission recommends that the General Assembly appropriate $1,132,400 to replace and renovate county equipment headquarters across the state. In addition the Commission recommends appropriation of $894,000 to construct shelters for storage of vehciles and equipment for security and protection from the weather. 6. The Commission endoreses the concept of multiple use of national forest land. SEAFOOD North Carolina is blessed with an abundance of marine resources that support a diverse and growing seafood industry. The scope of our seafood industry encompasses both commercial and recreational fishing activities. Commercial and recreational fisheries provide economic benefits statewide through the harvesting, processing and sale of seafood products and associated services such as restaurants, motels, marines, markets, and fishing tackel distributors. Problems exist in the seafood industry in the form of user group conflicts, which impact the individuals harvesting the marines resources; and habitat and water quality, which impact the seafood resources directly. To continue recent efforts made by the General Assembly in support of the State's marine resources, the Commission makes the fol] owing findings and recommendations . FINDINGS - Seafood (1) Maintenance of high quality estuarine habitat and good coastal water quality is essential to maintaining North Carolina's seafood industry. (2) Duo to the location and nature of North Carolina's major coastal watei" bodies, they are especially sensitive to degraded water quality from inland sources and immediate coastal areas. Often activities produce no immediate effects but manifest themselves in cummulative impacts in the estuaries. (3) The majority of seafood caught and landed in North Carolina is sold to seafood dealers, who in turn, wash, grade and pack the products for shipment to traditional out-of-state markets for sale or processing. This method of handling seafood has limited the market demand and consequently limited the potential total value to the industry. Processing the seafood into table-ready products will generate approximately four times the State's investment compared to simply packing and shipping the seafood to another state to be processed. Developing new markets will create more demand for North Carolina seafood products and ultimately bring more dollars to North Carolina's seafood industry. (4) Division of Marine Fisheries Law Enforcement Officers are not among the officers authorized to use sirens in the pursuit of violators by G.S. 20-l?5(b). Wildlife Resources Commission Officers are alreadv included in this legislation. Officers with the Division of Marines Fisheries as well as the Division are exposed to civil liability if pursuing in violation of motor vehicle laws without a siren. (5) Under G.S. 113-202 and 205(B), the Marine Fisheries Commission is authorized to require marking of leased or privately owned shellfish beds. Under G.S. 113-208, the holder of the private shellfish beds may 21 bring criminal charges against persons who take shellfish from the beds. That statute does not require the beds to be marked as a condition for prosecution. The purpose of the marking is to make the public aware that no public harvest is allowed in the area. (6) Fines for violations of Marine Fisheries laws and regulations are too low and do not discourage violators . RECOMMENDATIONS: Seafood (1) The Commission recommends that the General Assembly amend G.S. 113-208 (a) to require that, unless private shellfish beds are marked in accordance with fisheries regulations, no criminal offense can be charged or prosecuted. (2) The Commission recommends that the General Assembly amend G.S. 20-125 (b) to authorize Marines Fisheries offices to use sirens when they are in pursuit of violators . (3) The Commission recognizes that the Division of Marino Fisheries does not have adequate resources to enforce Marine Fisheries laws and regulations. Therefore, the Commission recommends that the General Assembly appropriate $501,775 for five new Marine Fisheries officers and for new enforcement equipment. (4) The Commission recommends that the General Assembly establish higher and more realistic minimum fines for all violations of Marine Fisheries laws, rules and regulations including a mandatory first conviction fine of $50 and a mandatory fine of $250 for subsequent convictions. General Findings and Recommendations Applicable to all Industries North Carolina's agriculture, forestry and seafood industries have many similar problems. Such things as high cost of production, foreign imports, lack of strong marketing programs and highly variable prices, commonly plague these industries. In addition, managment practices associated with one of these industries can often adversely impact the others. For example agriculture and forestry practices can directly impact the estuarine environment through runoff of fresh water carrying fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, which, in turn, adversely effects the fishery resources in which the seafood industry depends. Since the Agriculture, Forestrv and Seafood Awareness Commission began its work, a better understanding of the cause and effect problems has occurred between the agriculture, forestry and seafood industries. The Agriculture Cost Share Program for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control is an example of a strong concentrated effort that has been made by all three industries to cooperate and combine resources to solve many of North Carolina's v/ater quality problems . 23 since it was established in 1983, the Agriculture, Forestrv and Seafocxl Awareness Study Commission has been instrumental in developing a working relationship among these industries. Consequently, during its studies, the Commission has identified several findings and recommendations applicable to all three industries and require attention during the 1987 session of the General Assembly. General Findings Applicable to all Industries (1) All three industries. Agriculture, Forestry and Seafood have problems with marketing their products because the necessary infrastructure for extensive marketing is not always available. (2) Continuing efforts to increase the awareness of the importance of the Agriculture, Forestry, and Seafood industries to the citizens of North Carolina are needed. (3) Railroad abandonments throughout the state are severely affecting the movement of agricultural and forests products throughout the State. For example, the proposed abandonment of the Albemarle Sound Railroad Bridge poses a serious threat to the economy of eastern North Carolina. In addition, other railroad abandonments are likely to have similar economic impact throughout North Carolina. (4) Ad-valorem taxation appears to place a burden on some aspects of the agriculture, forestry and seafood industries . (5) North Carolina's State Ports play a vital role in the success of the Agriculture, P'orestry and Seafood industries . GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL INDUSTPTES (1) The Cominission recommends continued legislative support and funding for market development programs designed to expand and improve both national and international markets for agricultural, forestry and seafood products. (2) The Commission recommends that the General Assembly support improvements of al] facilities at the State Ports of Wilmington and Morehead City. (3) The Commission recommends that the General Assembly establish a Legislative Study Cominission to review all ad-valorem taxation laws affecting the three industries to see if changes on these laws are necessary to reduce the tax burdens facing these industries . (4) The Commission recommends that the 1987 General Assembly address the issue of railroad abandonments, the economic impact on adjacent communities, agricultural, forestry, and seafood industries, and clearly delineate the role to be taken by the State of North Carolina. 25 (5) To insure that the citizens of North Carolina continue to bo aware of the importance of the Agriculture, Forestry and Seafood industries, the Commission strongly recommends that the 1987 General Assembly pass a resolution desicmating 1987 the year of the Agriculture, Forestry, and Seafood Industries, CS rap Appendix A Article 19. Commission on Agriculture, Forestry, and Seafood Awareness. § 120-150. Creation; appointment of members. There is created an Agriculture. Forestry, and Seafood Aware- ness Study Commission. Members of the Commission shall be citi- zens of North Carolina who are interested in the vitality of the i^Si'iculture. forestry, and seafood sectors of the State's economy. Members shall be as follows: 111 Three appointed by rhe (lovernor; i2i Three appointed by the President of the Senate; i.'t) Three appointed by the Speaker of the House: 14) The chairman of the House Agriculture t^ommitteo; i5i The chairman of the Senate .Vgriculture Committee: (H) The Commissioner of Agriculture or his designee; i7i A member of the Board of Agriculture designated by the chairman of the Board of Agriculture; i8) The President of the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federa- tion. Inc., or his designee; ii)i The Master of the North Carolina State Crange or his des- ignee; and ilOi The Secretary of the Department ot Natur.il Resources and Ciimmunitv De\'elopment. Members shall he appointed tor two-\'ear terms beginning Octo- ber 1 of each odd-numbered \ear Ttie cochairmen of the Commis- sion shall be the chairmen of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees respectively i UIS.t, c 792. s, 2(1. l,i Editor'.s .Not.'. .S,-vsi,hi t„H«,- U).S."i. .S^^sion Laws UtK,",. t 7H2, s .^1 makes c, 791'. s 1 pruvid.s ih.,1 Ihc act shall l,e this Arli.le eUciHv,. upon raliflcalinn known as ■TIr- Iricii-iifiidenl .Suiil\ ('(.m- The act was ralitied .JuK IS. iyH5 missions and (.'ommiUees Ail of IWb " § 120-151. Advisory Committee. Upon proper motion and by a vole of a majority of the members present, the Commission may appoint an Advisory Committee. Members of the Ad\-isory Committee should be from the various organizatiims, commodity groups, a.ssdciations. and councils repre- senting agriculture, forestrw and sealood. The purpose of the Advi- sors' Committee shall be to render technical adx'ice and assistance to the Commission. The Advisory Committee shall consist of no more than 20 members plus a chairman who shall be appointed by the cochairmen of the Commission. (1985. c. 792, s. 20.1.1 8 120-152. Subsistence and travel expenses. The members of the Commission who are members of the General Assembly shall receive subsistence and travel allowances at the rate set forth in G.S. 120-3.1 Members who are officials or em- ployees of the Slate of North Carolina shall receive subsistence and travel allowances at the rate set forth in G.S, l.i8-6. All other mem- bers plus the Chairman of the Advisory Committee shall be paid the per diem allowances at the rates set forth in G.S 138-5. Other members of the Advisory Committee shall serve on a voluntai-y basis and not receive subsistence and travel expenses. (1985. c. 792, s. 20.1.1 27 S 120-153. Facilities and staff. The Commission may hold its meetings in the State Legislative Building with the approval of the Lt-pisiative Services Commission. The Legislative Services Commission shall provide necessary pro- fessional and clerical assistance to the Commission. ( 1985, c. 792, s 20.1.) i^ 120-154. Duties. The Commission shall bring to the attention of the General A.^;- sembly the influenct. of agriculture, forestry, and seafood on the economy of the Stale, develop alternatives for increasing the public awareness of agriculture, forestry, and seafood, study the present status of agriculture, forestry, and seafood, identify problems limit- ing future growth and development of the industry, develop an awareness of the importance of science and lechnolugical develop- ment to the future of ap-iculture, forestry, and seafood industries, ■ and formulate plans for new Statejnitiatives and support for agri- culture, forestry, and seafood and for the e.xpans.on of opp-^unit.es in these sectors rF"i Luiimes In conducting its study the Commission mav hold public hearinfr^ and meetings acro.ss the State. " ( ^""c neanngs The Commi.ssion .shall report to the General Asseml.lv at lp««t one month prior to the first regular .se.ssion of each C^n.-li} A bly. (1985, c. 792, s. 20.1 i '" General A.ssem- 28 Appendix AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY & SEAFOOD AWARENESS STUDY COMMISSION FILE January 8, 1987 Members Senator James D. Co-chairman Route 6, Box 54 2 Louisburg, N. C. Speed 27549 James Rep. Vernon G Co-chairman Route 4, Box 251 Elizabeth City, N. C Rep. L. M. Brinkley Route 2, Box 3501 Ahoskie, N. C. 27910 27909 Area Code/Phone (919) 853-2167 (919) 330-939- (919) 332-4165 Appointed By Chairman of Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman of House Agriculture Committee Speaker Rep. Edith L. Lutz Route 3, Box 19 7 Lawndale, N. C. 28090 (704) 538-7818 Speaker Rep. Robert L. McAliste: Route 1, Box 33 6 Ruffin, N. C. 27326 (919) 939-9816 Speaker Mr. Michael Evans 108 Candle Court Rocky Mount, N. C. 27801 Senator Joseph E. Thomas P. 0. Box 337 Vanceboro, N. C. 28586 (919) 443-4294 (919) 353-7000 Lt. Governor Lt. Governor Mr. Edwin W, Woodhouse N. C. Poultry Federation, 4020 Barrett Drive 102 Raleigh, N. C. 27609 (919) 828-9933 Lt. Governor ^r. Perry R. Lowe, Jr. Route 2 toravian Falls, N. C. 28654 (919) 921-3' Governor ^ep. George Robinson 301 Norwood Street, S.W. ^-enoir, N. C, 28645 (704) 758-5433 Governor 29 Members Mr. Maxton Scarbourgh P. O. Box 27 Avon, N. C. 27915 Mr. Ray Forrest Department of Agriculture Raleigh, N. C. 27611 Mr. Larry B. Wooten Route 1 Currie, N. C. 28435 Area Code Phone (919) 995-5155 (919) 733-7125 (919) 283-7613 Appointed By Governor Commissioner of Agriculture (Designee) Board of Agriculture Mr. Robert H. Caldwell N. C. State Grange P. O. Box 9665 Greensboro, N. C. 27429 (919) 854-9000 1 800 432-4857 Master of N. C. State Grange Mr. W. B. Jenkins N, C. Farm Bureau Federation P. 0. Box 2776 6 Raleigh, N. C. 27611 Mr, S. Thomas Rhodes NRCD P. O. Box 27657 Raleigh, N. C. 27611 (919) 782-1705 (919) 733-4984 President of Farm Bureau Federation Secretary of NRCD Appendix C TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND SEAFOOD AWARENESS STUDY COMMISSION Billy Yorgin N. C. Yam Producers Commission 108 W. Main Street Benson, N. C. 27504 Al Daniels N, C. Pork Producers Association P. 0. Box 25727 Raleigh, N. C. 27611 Dr. D. F. Bateman NCSU Schoo] of Agriculture and Life Sciences 112 Patterson Hall Raleigh, N. C. Norfleet Sugg N. C. Peanut Growers Association, Inc. P. 0. Box 1709 Rocky Mount, N. C. 27 801 Ben Park N. C. Forestry Association P. O. Box 19104 Raleigh, N. C. 27619 Edmund Aycock N. C. Agri-Business Council 211 Alleghany Building 3900 Glenwood Avenue Raleigh, N. C. 27612 Ned Delmar N. C. Fisheries Association, Inc. P. O. Box 490 Bayboro, N. C. 28515 Kerney Merrill N. C. Potato Association Route 1, Box 158-X Beaufort, N. C. 28516 Joanne Ivy N. C. Egg Marketing Association 1213 Ridge Road Raleigh, N. C, 27607 Ted Ivey N. C. Corn Growers Association Route 3, Box 191 Goldsboro, N. C. 27530 Senator Vernon E. White P. 0. Box 41 Winterville, N. C. 28590 Allen Spalt 300 James Street Carrboro, N. C. 27510 Jim Wilder N. C. Soybean Producers Association, Inc. 3300 Falls of the Neuse Road Suite 101 Raleigh, N. C. 27609 Clint Reese N. C, Cattlemen's Association P. O. Box 25756 Raleigh, N. C. 27611 Charles King Tobacco Associates P. O. Box 10603 Raleigh, N. C. 27605 H. Grey Ashburn, Jr. N. C. Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts P. O. Box 310 North Wilkesboro, N. C. 28659 Linda Clapp United Farmers Organization Route 1, Box 12 3 Bear Creek, N. C. 27207 Edith Marsh Marsh Enterprises 224 S. Dawson Street Sir Walter Center Raleigh, N. C. 27601 Jim Oliver Commerce Department Raleigh, N. C. 27611 Carlyle Teague Cooperative Council of N. C. P. 0. Box 10426 Raleigh, N. C. 27605 i I I i HI 1ECKMAN INDERY INC. MAR 87 1 MANr-HF'^TFR.