The Senate is planning to take up annexation reform. We were unsure if they would even listen to the bill because it contains a vote. While the vote is potentially useless, it could have stopped the Senate from even listening to the bill.
Take a look at an article written by Daren Bakst with the John Locke Foundation- published in the Wilmington Star-News. We are engaged in a coalition alongside the John Locke Foundation.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Inching closer to a budget
Tax Deal
House and Senate negotiators have pushed the ball forward again on a tax deal, nearing an agreement that could end a budget stalemate that has now lasted nearly a month into the fiscal year. "We're close, but we're trying to work on the details to get to the $990 million," said Sen. David Hoyle, D-Gaston. Hoyle indicated that House and Senate Democrats had decided against trying to placate Gov. Beverly Perdue by raising even more taxes to restore public school cuts. Legislative leaders had met Wednesday morning with Perdue, and negotiators said that she had been involved in the most recent talks.
Perdue helped scuttle a deal on taxes last week, criticizing legislators for applying an income tax surcharge to all taxpayers with income tax liability.
She also called for more revenue, money that might have gone to restore teaching position cuts in grades 4-12. Legislators seemed to be heeding the criticism about the income tax surcharge. Sources indicated that the deal being considered could put the income threshold at $100,000 before the surcharge applies. Instead of a 2-percent surcharge, the rate may be raised to 3 percent in order to hit the revenue target. Beyond those changes, House Democrats indicated the proposal isn't vastly different than the agreement which fell through last week.
That plan included an additional 1-cent sales tax and increases on cigarette, beer, wine and alcohol taxes. The two sides are also considering a special session this fall to examine comprehensive tax reform, apparently as a part of the deal, sources said. Democrats in both chambers emerged from closed-door caucuses late Wednesday sounding optimistic that they would reach a final, lasting agreement on a tax plan. As House Democrats completed their caucus meeting, negotiators from the House and Senate immediately began huddling in a nearby office. "We gathered feedback in the caucus,"
said Rep. Paul Luebke, D-Durham, a co-chair of the House Finance Committee.
"We just have some details to work out."(THE INSIDER, 7/30/09).
Patterson Grange
On Tuesday night I visited Patterson Grange in Rowan County! We ate dinner and it was awesome... as always. Over dinner the conversation turned toward politics and it was so great to hear how a few Grangers called their Congressman about an issue they were concerned about. Way to get involved & have a voice! After dinner we moved into the meeting area where I gave a presentation on the budget, mostly on the issue of education within the budget. I told them that I was there to update them what the General Assembly is doing... or rather what they're not doing. I wished that I could have given them a better update on the budget, but I wasn't able to.
If your Grange would like a copy of this presentation, please let me know.
If your Grange would like a copy of this presentation, please let me know.
In DC...
The US House Agriculture Committee approved 4 bills regarding conservation and forest lands for floor consideration. All were approved by the Committee by voice vote and were ordered to be reported favorably to the House floor. One of those bills involves North Carolina.
HR 1002 - This bill would authorize the purchase of privately held land by the US Forest Service and modify the boundaries of the Pigsah National Forest in McDowell County, North Carolina. The modification would allow for better recreational access to Catawba Falls, a popular tourist site in the region.
HR 1002 - This bill would authorize the purchase of privately held land by the US Forest Service and modify the boundaries of the Pigsah National Forest in McDowell County, North Carolina. The modification would allow for better recreational access to Catawba Falls, a popular tourist site in the region.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Troxler to China
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will travel to China on August 1 on an agricultural trade mission. The trip will focus on expanding sales for tobacco, soybeans, cotton and other commodities. There are also plans for signing a memorandum with leaders in a Chinese province to promote agricultural trade between the country and North Carolina. China bought $271 million in North Carolina agricultural products last year.
Jimmy Gentry was invited to join the Commissioner for this trip.
Jimmy Gentry was invited to join the Commissioner for this trip.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Are we close to having a state budget?
House and Senate budget negotiators say they are close to reaching a deal to raise nearly $1 billion in order to balance a $19 billion state budget. But the two sides concluded negotiations on Tuesday without agreement on some important details, one of them exactly how much to raise sale taxes. An obstacle that may loom even larger: Reluctance by some key House Democrats to agree to any increase in cigarette taxes. [The North Carolina State Grange has opposed the increase in cigarette taxes because the tobacco industry has been hit extremely hard this year with an increase in the federal tobacco tax, FDA regulation of tobacco & the passage of stringent smoking laws in the state and tobacco growers shouldn't be forced to bear any more of the burden of the budget crunch than they're already experiencing] Even so, Democratic leaders said the two sides have made substantial progress and agreed in principle to the broad strokes of the plan. "We still have a lot of options," House Speaker Joe Hackney said after emerging from a closed-door caucus meeting in which House Democrats discussed the proposal. "We're closer than we've ever been," he added. After another round of evening negotiations, chairs of the House and Senate finance committees said more caucus meetings and negotiations would be needed to reach agreement on final details. "We're very optimistic we will conclude this week," said Sen. David Hoyle, D-Gaston.
The agreement calls for a 3/4 cent increase in the state sales tax, which could rise to 1 cent if House Democrats reject an increase on the tax on electricity sales. The plan would also impose a 2% surcharge on personal and corporate income tax liability, meaning an individual owning $1,000 in income taxes would see their bill rise by $20. That tax, unlike others in the place, would be temporary, expiring in two years. So-called sin taxes -- excise taxes on alcohol and cigarettes -- would also rise. No sales taxes on services, which had been large part of a Senate tax plan and a smaller part of a House plan, are included in the latest proposal. Rep. Paul Luebke, D-Durham, a co-chair of the House Finance Committee, acknowledged that a cigarette tax hike, historically opposed by rural Democrats, again had its critics. "There are members of the House caucus that are having a problem with even a small increase in the cigarette tax," Luebke said. [The North Carolina State Grange has communicated its concerns with members of both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees.] Hackney could be seen talking to one of those rural Democrats, Rep. Dewey Hill, D-Columbus, after leaving the caucus meeting and heading to the House floor. The proposal being considered would raise cigarette taxes as much as 15 cents per pack.
But just as in the other areas, Senate negotiators apparently are willing to make tradeoffs if that amount is lowered. In thise case, lowing the cigarette tax hike could mean increasing the hikes on beer, wine and liquor, all in order to hit a set target as part of a $990 million overall tax increase. The proposal also ties an overall sales tax hike of 3/4 of a cent to an increase in the sales tax in electricity. If the electricity sales tax doesn't rise from the current 3% rate, the overall sales tax could rise even more, to 1 penny, to make up the difference. Senate Democrats planned to caucus this morning to discuss where the negotiations stand. House Democrats were likely to meet around lunchtime. Legislative Republicans, meanwhile, criticized both Democrats' inability to reach an agreement and their focus on new taxes. Senate Minority Leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, said Democrats weren't engaged in a high-minded debate about reforming the tax code but trying to do the lease damage to their political futures. (THE INSIDER, 7/22/09).
The agreement calls for a 3/4 cent increase in the state sales tax, which could rise to 1 cent if House Democrats reject an increase on the tax on electricity sales. The plan would also impose a 2% surcharge on personal and corporate income tax liability, meaning an individual owning $1,000 in income taxes would see their bill rise by $20. That tax, unlike others in the place, would be temporary, expiring in two years. So-called sin taxes -- excise taxes on alcohol and cigarettes -- would also rise. No sales taxes on services, which had been large part of a Senate tax plan and a smaller part of a House plan, are included in the latest proposal. Rep. Paul Luebke, D-Durham, a co-chair of the House Finance Committee, acknowledged that a cigarette tax hike, historically opposed by rural Democrats, again had its critics. "There are members of the House caucus that are having a problem with even a small increase in the cigarette tax," Luebke said. [The North Carolina State Grange has communicated its concerns with members of both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees.] Hackney could be seen talking to one of those rural Democrats, Rep. Dewey Hill, D-Columbus, after leaving the caucus meeting and heading to the House floor. The proposal being considered would raise cigarette taxes as much as 15 cents per pack.
But just as in the other areas, Senate negotiators apparently are willing to make tradeoffs if that amount is lowered. In thise case, lowing the cigarette tax hike could mean increasing the hikes on beer, wine and liquor, all in order to hit a set target as part of a $990 million overall tax increase. The proposal also ties an overall sales tax hike of 3/4 of a cent to an increase in the sales tax in electricity. If the electricity sales tax doesn't rise from the current 3% rate, the overall sales tax could rise even more, to 1 penny, to make up the difference. Senate Democrats planned to caucus this morning to discuss where the negotiations stand. House Democrats were likely to meet around lunchtime. Legislative Republicans, meanwhile, criticized both Democrats' inability to reach an agreement and their focus on new taxes. Senate Minority Leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, said Democrats weren't engaged in a high-minded debate about reforming the tax code but trying to do the lease damage to their political futures. (THE INSIDER, 7/22/09).
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
June Atkinson: in charge of NC public schools
Didn't we vote for that in November when June Atkinson was elected as Superintendent of Public Instruction? That's what the North Carolina State Grange thought at least... which is why we contacted Governor Perdue's office in February over our concern that the appointment of Bill Harrison eroded the authority of the Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson as an elected official.
Our communication with the Governor's office was as follows:
According to G.S. 115C-19, the Superintendent of Public Instruction acts as Chief Administration Officer of the State Board of Education and manages the administration of day-to-day functions of the public school system. Appointing Bill Harrison to function as the operator of day-to-day operations of the Department disregarded the Superintendent's duties as prescribed by state law. The State Constitution states that the elected official is the leader over North Carolina schools. The Superintendent of Public Instruction was elected by North Carolina voters as more than an "ambassador" for local school systems teachers and business communities. The power to hand-pick appointees is clearly undemocratic because portions of the Superintendent's functions will no longer be fulfilled by the duly elected Superintendent.
June Atkinson sued the state and Superior Court Judge Robert Hobgood said Friday that Atkinson is the person at the top of North Carolina schools because the state constitution assigns that duty to the elected superintendent. The video of the Court's ruling can be found here (for the "meat" of the ruling, fast forward & watch from 5:30 to 9:45)
Our communication with the Governor's office was as follows:
According to G.S. 115C-19, the Superintendent of Public Instruction acts as Chief Administration Officer of the State Board of Education and manages the administration of day-to-day functions of the public school system. Appointing Bill Harrison to function as the operator of day-to-day operations of the Department disregarded the Superintendent's duties as prescribed by state law. The State Constitution states that the elected official is the leader over North Carolina schools. The Superintendent of Public Instruction was elected by North Carolina voters as more than an "ambassador" for local school systems teachers and business communities. The power to hand-pick appointees is clearly undemocratic because portions of the Superintendent's functions will no longer be fulfilled by the duly elected Superintendent.
June Atkinson sued the state and Superior Court Judge Robert Hobgood said Friday that Atkinson is the person at the top of North Carolina schools because the state constitution assigns that duty to the elected superintendent. The video of the Court's ruling can be found here (for the "meat" of the ruling, fast forward & watch from 5:30 to 9:45)
Bill Harrison will still be employed by the Department of Public Instruction and will serve as the Chairman of the Board of Education, however, he will no longer be considered the CEO of schools. "I think we're both adults and we're both focused on the work that needs to be done, and that's what's important," Harrison said.
Climate bill delayed until November
The House passed "cap & trade" legislation at the end of June and as it has moved into the Senate, there have been road blocks. As health care reform has preoccupied Senate's time and energy, cap & trade legislation has been delayed. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (CA) stated "We'll do it as soon as we get back"in September from a month long break. Four other committees will also review the climate bill. A White House spokesman says that the White House continues to work with Senate and believes the legislation is right on track. Senators don't feel as though this delay will hurt the chances of the bill passing Senate this year. They hope to "take this as far as we can take it [before Copenhagen]" The COP15 United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 will be held in Copenhagen in December 2009.
Check out the entire article from the Washington Post.
The North Carolina State Grange opposes this cap & trade legislation.
Check out the entire article from the Washington Post.
The North Carolina State Grange opposes this cap & trade legislation.
Food Safety
HR 2749, the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009, is an attempt to address food safety from the farm to the national and international market. It addresses domestic food production as well as imported food into the United States.
In DC, the House Agriculture Committee has held 4 hearings on food safety this year. Witnesses at the July 16 hearing included farmers, ranchers, consumer group representatives, and government officials from USDA and FDA. In addition to these witnesses, Jeff Almer from Perham, Minnesota was recognized to speak about his mother who was a victim of the Salmonella outbreak caused by peanut butter in 2008.
"Ensuring a safe food supply is a top priority for the House Agriculture Committee, and we want to play a role in developing strong food safety policies that are practical and address the problems in the system," Chairman Peterson said.
"None of the producer witnesses at the hearing today would support the Food Safety Enhancement Act as it is written," said Rep. Bob Goodlatte (VA). "It is clear that members of the committee and our witnesses are concerned about the new authority the bill gives FDA to regulate on the farm production practices. The notion that FDA can dictate to farmers in every region of the country, growing and producing a vast array of crops and livestock for a range of markets, is irrational."
While some parts of the legislation are supported by National Grange policy, an amendment is needed to clarify that farms, farmers markets, and restaurants are not "facilities" and should not be subject to a $1,000 fee or periodic inspections by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Without this clarification, the vague and over inclusive wording of this bill could prompt lawsuits in future years that expand the scope of the bill to include farms, farmers markets, and restaurants. Instead the bill should make clear that any food safety or public health inspections for farms, farmers markets, and restaurants are only to be conducted by local/state health departments and state departments of agriculture.
The North Carolina State Grange supports National Grange policy and has contacted North Carolina delegation about this issue.
In DC, the House Agriculture Committee has held 4 hearings on food safety this year. Witnesses at the July 16 hearing included farmers, ranchers, consumer group representatives, and government officials from USDA and FDA. In addition to these witnesses, Jeff Almer from Perham, Minnesota was recognized to speak about his mother who was a victim of the Salmonella outbreak caused by peanut butter in 2008.
"Ensuring a safe food supply is a top priority for the House Agriculture Committee, and we want to play a role in developing strong food safety policies that are practical and address the problems in the system," Chairman Peterson said.
"None of the producer witnesses at the hearing today would support the Food Safety Enhancement Act as it is written," said Rep. Bob Goodlatte (VA). "It is clear that members of the committee and our witnesses are concerned about the new authority the bill gives FDA to regulate on the farm production practices. The notion that FDA can dictate to farmers in every region of the country, growing and producing a vast array of crops and livestock for a range of markets, is irrational."
While some parts of the legislation are supported by National Grange policy, an amendment is needed to clarify that farms, farmers markets, and restaurants are not "facilities" and should not be subject to a $1,000 fee or periodic inspections by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Without this clarification, the vague and over inclusive wording of this bill could prompt lawsuits in future years that expand the scope of the bill to include farms, farmers markets, and restaurants. Instead the bill should make clear that any food safety or public health inspections for farms, farmers markets, and restaurants are only to be conducted by local/state health departments and state departments of agriculture.
The North Carolina State Grange supports National Grange policy and has contacted North Carolina delegation about this issue.
Hagan Amendment to Protect Small Farms
The Affordable Health Choices Act, the piece of legislation that has been at the center of much debate, passed the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee. Kay Hagan introduced an amendment to the bill which excluded seasonal workers from the definition of "employees". The original bill stated that employers who employed more than 25 workers who did not provide health insurance would be subject to penalties ($750 per full-time worker and $375 per part-time worker). An employer would have been subject to these penalties for a year if they exceeded the 25 employee threshold for even a day. This would greatly affect farmers who employ seasonal labor - there are an average of 40 seasonal workers per small farm. Some workers are employed for just a few weeks. Without the Hagan amendment, employees hiring seasonal labor would be penalized for not providing health insurance to these workers. The amendment Hagan put forward removed penalties for small family farms that hire seasonal workers for less than 120 days. The amendment passed unanimously.
The exclusion of seasonal workers allows small growers to be eligible for small business tax credits which helps cover insurance costs. Workers, including seasonal farm workers who do not have access to health insurance through their employer will be able to obtain affordable coverage through the Community Health Insurance Coverage Option or through private coverage. Currently, farmers can cover their seasonal workers who need health care as a result of their work through workers' compensation insurance which is much less expensive than health insurance.
Senator Hagan's press release can be found here
The exclusion of seasonal workers allows small growers to be eligible for small business tax credits which helps cover insurance costs. Workers, including seasonal farm workers who do not have access to health insurance through their employer will be able to obtain affordable coverage through the Community Health Insurance Coverage Option or through private coverage. Currently, farmers can cover their seasonal workers who need health care as a result of their work through workers' compensation insurance which is much less expensive than health insurance.
Senator Hagan's press release can be found here
Congressional Votes
HR 2997: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 2010 passed the US House 266-160, 6 not voting
This bill makes FY2010 appropriations ($123.8 billion) for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Farm Credit Administration
Butterfield: YES
Etheridge: YES
Jones: YES
Price: YES
Foxx: NO
Coble: NO
McIntyre: YES
Kissell: YES
Myrick: NO
McHenry: NO
Shuler: YES
Watt: YES
Miller: YES
This bill makes FY2010 appropriations ($123.8 billion) for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Farm Credit Administration
Butterfield: YES
Etheridge: YES
Jones: YES
Price: YES
Foxx: NO
Coble: NO
McIntyre: YES
Kissell: YES
Myrick: NO
McHenry: NO
Shuler: YES
Watt: YES
Miller: YES
Jim Black moves closer to home
Former House Speaker Jim Black is being moved to a prison closer to home. Black, a Mecklenburg County Democrat, was transferred late Friday to a federal prison in Jesup, GA, 300 miles south of Charlotte, according to Park Helms, a former Mecklenburg commissioners chairman and a friend of Black. That's more than 200 miles closer to home than his former prison in Lewisburg, PA. An official at the prison said Saturday that a "James Black" is an inmate there but would provide no further details. Last month, more than 150 friends of Black -- including Helms, Matthews Mayor Lee Myers and former Republican Gov. Jim Martin -- wrote to federal prison officials asking for leniency because of the failing health of Black, 74, and his wife. They also wrote letters to President Barack Obama, asking that Black's sentence be commuted. Helms said he fears that nothing short of commuting Black's sentence will allow his ailing wife to see him. Black's wife, Betty, has degenerative Lou Gherig's disease and Helms said he feels the move doesn't get Black close enough to her. "It doesn't matter whether it's a hundred miles or 200," Helms said. "She's just actually got limited time. ... I think a commutation now is really teh only thing that can give her and probably [Black] some relief." Black was sentenced for accepting thousands of dollars in illegal payments while speaker of the House. Black has been locked up since July 2007 in Lewisburg. He's scheduled for release in 2012. (Cleve R. Wootson, Jr., THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 7/12/09).
Listening Tour
Rising health care costs, government regulations and high taxes are choking small businesses during the recession, small-business owners told Lt. Governor Walter Dalton Friday. Billed as a stop on Dalton's "listening tour" of the state's small-business community. Dalton met with about 40 business owners, company managers and local officials at the W.C. Witherspoon Memorial Library in Elizabeth City. Several business owners, after introducing themselves, said that at one time they had employed anywhere from 40-50 people, but were now - because of the economy - down to a few dozen. When asked about health insurance premiums, Dalton said businesses and others need to find ways to pull together and buy insurance in groups to help lower costs. "We need to get rid of these impediments," Dalton said. "There is no reason there should not be a blanket policy everyone can buy into." Dalton also used the opportunity to discuss his proposed Small Business Assistance Fund, legislation modeled after the state's disaster loan program implemented following hurricanes Floyd and Fran in the 1990s. The fund, if approved by lawmakers, would provide loans up to $50,000 or loan guarantees of up to $100,000 to small businesses - those with fewer than 100 employees or annual receipts of less than $1 million. Dalton noted that North Carolina businesses aren't the only ones suffering in the current economy. "It's a tough year...," Dalton said. "But this recession is not a North Carolina recession or a US recession. It's a global recession." (Toby Tate, THE DAILY ADVANCE, 7/1/09)
Monday, July 20, 2009
Town Hall Meeting
Representative Darren Jackson of the 39th district will hold a Town Hall meeting in Wendell at Wendell Town Hall on Tuesday, July 29 at 7:00 PM.
Thanks!
Thanks to the following Granges who signed onto a letter, written by FreedomWorks, for annexation reform (which was hand-delivered to all members of the House of Representatives):
Brogden Grange (Wayne County)
Bushy Fork Grange (Person County)
Cape Fear Grange (Cumberland County)
Brogden Grange (Wayne County)
Bushy Fork Grange (Person County)
Cape Fear Grange (Cumberland County)
Friday, July 10, 2009
Do you keep it rural?
Farm Credit says they've been "helping folks keep it rural for more than 90 years" and they have introduced a contest so that you can show off how you keep it rural! The contest encourages folks to "Dig out your funniest, most inspiring, unusual, bizarre, and amazing farm- and rural-themed videos. Or, get out your video camera and make some new ones."
First Place: $3,000
Second Place: $2,000
Third Place: $1,000
For more information, check out the Video Contest website.
North Carolina's Farm Credit institutions:
Northeastern NC: Ag Carolina Financial
Southeastern NC: Cape Fear Farm Credit
Central & Western NC: Carolina Farm Credit
First Place: $3,000
Second Place: $2,000
Third Place: $1,000
For more information, check out the Video Contest website.
North Carolina's Farm Credit institutions:
Northeastern NC: Ag Carolina Financial
Southeastern NC: Cape Fear Farm Credit
Central & Western NC: Carolina Farm Credit
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Tobacco Workshop
I received this in the mail from Carl J. Cantaluppi (Extension Area Agent, Horticulture, Granville and Person Counties)
Dear Grower,
The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) will be holding a workshop at the Person County Extension Office, 304 S. Morgan Street in Roxboro on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at 7 PM.
Mr. Joe Schroeder, of the Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Project, will be conducting the workshop to interested growers in Granville and Person counties.
The goal of the Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund is to keep farmers in farming and maintain the economic base of North Carolina's rural communities. The Reinvestment Fund aims to assist farmers and rural communities to develop new sources of agricultural income through provision of cost-share grants.
In 2010, the Reinvestment Fund will make two types of demonstration awards: Producer Grant Awards of up to $10,000 for individuals and Community Grant Awards up to $20,000 for collaborative farmer projects.
The Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund will make cost-share demonstration grants to farmers, farm organizations, and community groups in Granville and Person Counties in 2010.
Tight margins for most commodity crops and changing farm programs provide new challenges for North Carolina farmers. The purpose of the Reinvestment Fund is to help farmers to develop enterprises that allow them to earn more for their products through innovative production, processing, or marketing approaches.
To be eligible for these grants, qualifying producers must:
Qualifying community groups:
Eligible projects are those that:
High priority will be given to projects that are innovative and demonstrate a new direction or opportunity for farmers in North Carolina
Application: Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund Demonstration Grants are awarded on a competitive application basis
The application deadline for the 2009 Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund Demonstration Award Program is November 11, 2009.
If you would like to discuss your project ideas with Mr. Joe Schroeder on the RAFI staff, please come to the meeting on Thursday, August 6, at 7 PM.
Dear Grower,
The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) will be holding a workshop at the Person County Extension Office, 304 S. Morgan Street in Roxboro on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at 7 PM.
Mr. Joe Schroeder, of the Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Project, will be conducting the workshop to interested growers in Granville and Person counties.
The goal of the Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund is to keep farmers in farming and maintain the economic base of North Carolina's rural communities. The Reinvestment Fund aims to assist farmers and rural communities to develop new sources of agricultural income through provision of cost-share grants.
In 2010, the Reinvestment Fund will make two types of demonstration awards: Producer Grant Awards of up to $10,000 for individuals and Community Grant Awards up to $20,000 for collaborative farmer projects.
The Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund will make cost-share demonstration grants to farmers, farm organizations, and community groups in Granville and Person Counties in 2010.
Tight margins for most commodity crops and changing farm programs provide new challenges for North Carolina farmers. The purpose of the Reinvestment Fund is to help farmers to develop enterprises that allow them to earn more for their products through innovative production, processing, or marketing approaches.
To be eligible for these grants, qualifying producers must:
- Be farmers who are actively engaged in full or part-time farming
- Priority will be given to farmers who earned a significant portion of their farm income from tobacco at the time of the Master Settlement Agreement (crop years 1997 and 98) and to projects that create an opportunity for a new generation of farmers
Qualifying community groups:
- Must include qualifying farmers from Granville or Person county
- AND farmers must be active in the leadership of the group
- Groups of farmers, farm co-ops, farmer associations, churches, local business, civic organizations, or combinations of these are eligible and encouraged to apply
Eligible projects are those that:
- Have a likelihood of generating new farm income
- Establish new markets for local products and services
- Develop new uses for greenhouses
- Add value to existing farm products by processing, packaging or marketing in a special way
- Make new use of tobacco facilities and equipment
- Maintain or create quality employment, including self-employment or opportunities for home-based businesses
- Make optimal use of on-farm and natural resources
High priority will be given to projects that are innovative and demonstrate a new direction or opportunity for farmers in North Carolina
Application: Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund Demonstration Grants are awarded on a competitive application basis
The application deadline for the 2009 Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund Demonstration Award Program is November 11, 2009.
If you would like to discuss your project ideas with Mr. Joe Schroeder on the RAFI staff, please come to the meeting on Thursday, August 6, at 7 PM.
Caught on camera
Just got a hold of these clips from the House Finance Committee meeting about 2 weeks ago. As a reminder, the title of the bill had been changed to a lengthy and tight new title which is about 1 1/2 pages long. Amendments on the floor will change this lengthy and tight-defining title, so Rep. Johnathan Rhyne attempted to change the title back to its original form. The amendment failed in a 13-15 vote with all Republicans and Rep. Bill Faison voting in favor of the amendment and all Democrats voting against it.
The following clips are very interesting (and telling). **These clips were forwarded to the NC State Grange and reproduced here for informational purposes. Any commentary within these clips are not endorsed or affiliated with the NC State Grange**
The following clips are very interesting (and telling). **These clips were forwarded to the NC State Grange and reproduced here for informational purposes. Any commentary within these clips are not endorsed or affiliated with the NC State Grange**
Tell 'em to vote NO!
HB 524 (Annexation - Ombnibus Changes), or the bill that we do not like, was put on the House calendar yesterday. During session Rep. Michaux requested a fiscal note for the annexation bill. Basically, he wanted to know how much $$ is going to be needed to implement this policy. This led to a vote to send this bill to the Appropriations Committee.
Please contact the House Appropriations Committee and urge them to vote AGAINST HB 524 (Annexation - Omnibus Changes). After a huge ground swell of supporters of significant and meaningful annexation reform, the legislature has decided that the citizen's voices really don't matter too much. A Proposed Committee Substitute (PCS) came out of the Finance Committee and it literally does nothing for citizens. What did we want and what is in the PCS?
We wanted a meaningful voice through a vote.
We got an amendment stating that if 15% of registered voters signed a petition, a vote would take place. The act of gathering signatures would have to be done within 69-99 days. If enough signatures are collected (which is highly, highly unlikely), eligible voters would be those in the proposed annexation area and those within the municipality. This would mean that those opposed to the annexation would have to convince those (within the municipality, most likely) to vote against the annexation.
For analysis on the "Vote Charade", see Daren Bakst of the John Locke Foundation's blog.
We wanted the city to bear the burden of water & infrastructure costs.
An attempt to put the responsibility of paying for water & infrastructure costs on the city, rather than the citizens who did not want (and in most cases, don't need) these services, was shot down. This change could have saved many people from being forced out of their homes because of these costs. These infrastructure fees are $10,000+.
We wanted oversight from the County Commissioners who represent those living in the city and the county.
We got oversight by the Local Government Commission. The LGC will look at the city's financial feasibility for annexation. How does this, in any way, reflect on the citizen's need or desire to be annexed into a city? It doesn't! The LGC does not represent citizens in any way.
Where in this scenario are citizen's voices able to be heard? Not through the "vote" that is in the PCS. It would be nearly impossible to have direct representation. Forget about indirect representation through elected officials because the LGC will have "oversight". And who bears the burden of infrastructure costs? The citizen. After all is said and done, whose property will be restricted due to zoning? The citizen. And who's property taxes will increase? The citizen.
Contact the House Appropriations members and voice your concern over this issue and urge them to vote against this bill.
Please contact the House Appropriations Committee and urge them to vote AGAINST HB 524 (Annexation - Omnibus Changes). After a huge ground swell of supporters of significant and meaningful annexation reform, the legislature has decided that the citizen's voices really don't matter too much. A Proposed Committee Substitute (PCS) came out of the Finance Committee and it literally does nothing for citizens. What did we want and what is in the PCS?
We wanted a meaningful voice through a vote.
We got an amendment stating that if 15% of registered voters signed a petition, a vote would take place. The act of gathering signatures would have to be done within 69-99 days. If enough signatures are collected (which is highly, highly unlikely), eligible voters would be those in the proposed annexation area and those within the municipality. This would mean that those opposed to the annexation would have to convince those (within the municipality, most likely) to vote against the annexation.
For analysis on the "Vote Charade", see Daren Bakst of the John Locke Foundation's blog.
We wanted the city to bear the burden of water & infrastructure costs.
An attempt to put the responsibility of paying for water & infrastructure costs on the city, rather than the citizens who did not want (and in most cases, don't need) these services, was shot down. This change could have saved many people from being forced out of their homes because of these costs. These infrastructure fees are $10,000+.
We wanted oversight from the County Commissioners who represent those living in the city and the county.
We got oversight by the Local Government Commission. The LGC will look at the city's financial feasibility for annexation. How does this, in any way, reflect on the citizen's need or desire to be annexed into a city? It doesn't! The LGC does not represent citizens in any way.
Where in this scenario are citizen's voices able to be heard? Not through the "vote" that is in the PCS. It would be nearly impossible to have direct representation. Forget about indirect representation through elected officials because the LGC will have "oversight". And who bears the burden of infrastructure costs? The citizen. After all is said and done, whose property will be restricted due to zoning? The citizen. And who's property taxes will increase? The citizen.
Contact the House Appropriations members and voice your concern over this issue and urge them to vote against this bill.
Where do you stand?
The Civitas Institute released their June 2009 poll results. Where do you stand?
Do you feel things in North Carolina are generally headed in the right direction or have gotten off on the wrong track?
Right Direction 33%
Wrong Track 54%
Not Sure 13%
What is the biggest issue facing North Carolina today?
Improve Econ/Create Jobs 40%
Hold down taxes/spending 19%
Improve public education 17%
Reduce Health Care costs 4%
Gov't Corruption 9%
Protecting Environment 2%
Control Illegal Immigration 5%
Not Sure 4%
Opinion of Barack Obama
Favorable 61%
Unfavorable 29%
No Opinion 10%
Opinion of Beverly Perdue
Favorable 36%
Unfavorable 38%
No Opinion 22%
Not Aware 3%
Do you believe taxes in North Carolina are too high, too low, or just about right for the service you receive?
Too high 48%
Too low 5%
Just about right 42%
Not sure 5%
(I have included only an excerpt of the results. The rest can be found here.)
Do you feel things in North Carolina are generally headed in the right direction or have gotten off on the wrong track?
Right Direction 33%
Wrong Track 54%
Not Sure 13%
What is the biggest issue facing North Carolina today?
Improve Econ/Create Jobs 40%
Hold down taxes/spending 19%
Improve public education 17%
Reduce Health Care costs 4%
Gov't Corruption 9%
Protecting Environment 2%
Control Illegal Immigration 5%
Not Sure 4%
Opinion of Barack Obama
Favorable 61%
Unfavorable 29%
No Opinion 10%
Opinion of Beverly Perdue
Favorable 36%
Unfavorable 38%
No Opinion 22%
Not Aware 3%
Do you believe taxes in North Carolina are too high, too low, or just about right for the service you receive?
Too high 48%
Too low 5%
Just about right 42%
Not sure 5%
(I have included only an excerpt of the results. The rest can be found here.)
Effective July 1
I realize it's July 9, but I have been out of the office/extremely busy/etc. so I apologize!
For all of the laws that became effective July 1, please look here.
For all of the laws that became effective July 1, please look here.
2008 Agricultural Water Use Survey
Due to recent droughts, water policy has been discussed extensively. The most recent data showed that agriculture isn't the large water user that most people think they are. It was imperative that agricultural data be as accurate as possible and in 2008, the General Assembly directed the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services to conduct an agricultural water use survey. The results were to be submitted to the Environmental Review Commission. This information will be used when water policy is discussed and our hope is that agriculture will be treated fairly when it comes to any policy that may be proposed, discussed or implemented.
Commissioner Troxler, in his letter to the Environmental Review Commission, states: "It is significant that, when comparing historic total ground and surface statewide withdrawals of water for agricultural production with total withdrawals from all users (nonagricultural and agricultural combined) as recorded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the survey demonstrates that agricultural use in 2008 on an average daily basis accounted for less than 2% of all withdrawals."
He also states: "The survey contacted about 9,000 farms with an 86% response rate showing 1,500 farms that withdrew 10,000 gallons or more water per day. Considering that the agricultural water use survey collected data for any user above 10,000 gallons per day, compared with nonagricultural use data representing 100,000 gallons or more pr day, there can be little doubt that agriculture water use is even smaller in proportion to statewide withdrawal data."
NCDA's press release: "NC farmers don't hog water, first statewide survey of agricultural water use shows"
Commissioner Troxler, in his letter to the Environmental Review Commission, states: "It is significant that, when comparing historic total ground and surface statewide withdrawals of water for agricultural production with total withdrawals from all users (nonagricultural and agricultural combined) as recorded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the survey demonstrates that agricultural use in 2008 on an average daily basis accounted for less than 2% of all withdrawals."
He also states: "The survey contacted about 9,000 farms with an 86% response rate showing 1,500 farms that withdrew 10,000 gallons or more water per day. Considering that the agricultural water use survey collected data for any user above 10,000 gallons per day, compared with nonagricultural use data representing 100,000 gallons or more pr day, there can be little doubt that agriculture water use is even smaller in proportion to statewide withdrawal data."
NCDA's press release: "NC farmers don't hog water, first statewide survey of agricultural water use shows"
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The numbers are in
USDA released its June Crop report and something that was expected happened. Tobacco and peanut acreage was down. Peanuts were down 23% from last year to 75,000 acres. The explanation of this drop is summed up well by NCDA's blog (In the Field): "That drop is the result of a couple of factors: 1) Last year’s N.C. peanut crop was a record, so some decrease this year was to be expected; and 2) the peanut industry was hurt by the salmonella outbreak earlier this year that saw the recall of lots of peanut butter products. The massive recall affected consumer demand for peanut butter and related foods. That has left a lot of N.C. farmers with peanuts in storage and no contracts for them. In other words, nobody’s buying."
Tobacco farmers planted 3% less this year due to the reduction in contracts. In an effort for tobacco companies to reduce their costs, they responded to Congressional action that was taken this year (FDA regulation of tobacco & 62-cent per pack excise tax). Less demand calls for less supply resulting in fewer acres of tobacco being planted this year.
Tobacco farmers planted 3% less this year due to the reduction in contracts. In an effort for tobacco companies to reduce their costs, they responded to Congressional action that was taken this year (FDA regulation of tobacco & 62-cent per pack excise tax). Less demand calls for less supply resulting in fewer acres of tobacco being planted this year.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Independence Day
I hope all of you enjoy cookouts, fireworks & a day off from work this weekend. However, please don't forget the reason for July 4th. Never forget the commitment, courage and sacrifice our American soldiers give of themselves daily. Their families deserve as much recognition and we are eternally grateful. One of my favorite quotes is: If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a soldier.
Just to get personal, I'd like to thank the veterans in my family who have committed their lives to service for our country and for allowing me to live freely:
Wade Fowler, Tom Lewis, Greg Lewis, Nick Fowler, Todd Fowler, Casey Fowler, Rusty Fowler, Dina Lane, Dave Arp, Bill Fried, Bob Beal, Justin Russell & John Tabb
Just to get personal, I'd like to thank the veterans in my family who have committed their lives to service for our country and for allowing me to live freely:
Wade Fowler, Tom Lewis, Greg Lewis, Nick Fowler, Todd Fowler, Casey Fowler, Rusty Fowler, Dina Lane, Dave Arp, Bill Fried, Bob Beal, Justin Russell & John Tabb
Annexation: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
The Bad:
The House Judiciary II Committee was scheduled to meet twice last Tuesday before the meetings were cancelled. My frustration can be found here. The Judiciary II Committee met on Thursday and shot down every meaningful reform that was proposed. The League essentially won this battle (notice I used battle... not war) within the Committee. Even worse, an amendment was passed that ensured that nobody else in the House will be able to amend the bill. The House Finance Committee met this morning at 8:30 and I was able to listen to the meeting through the General Assembly's website. While there was an amendment put forward by Rep. Hugh Holliman (D-Davidson), it doesn't go as far as you may think. "In order to get a vote, annexation foes would have to persuade 15% of voters in the entire city or town, plus the annexation area, to sign a petition for a referendum. That would be extremely difficult" said Aitken.
The Good (sort of):
During this morning's meeting, many legislators stood up and said "NO" to the fact that there won't be amendments allowed on the floor. There were many calls for democracy and open government. Honestly, it was very refreshing to hear!!!
The Ugly:
Unfortunately, the ugly goes right along with the "good". The title of the bill had been changed to a lengthy and tight new title which is about 1 1/2 pages long. Check it out here. Amendments on the floor will change this lengthy and tight-defining title, so Rep. Johnathan Rhyne attempted to change the title back to its original form. The amendment failed in a 13-15 vote with all Republicans and Rep. Bill Faison voting in favor of the amendment and all Democrats voting against it.
The meeting recessed until after session this afternoon. Expect an update on how the last 4 amendments fare & the final vote within the Committee.
The House Judiciary II Committee was scheduled to meet twice last Tuesday before the meetings were cancelled. My frustration can be found here. The Judiciary II Committee met on Thursday and shot down every meaningful reform that was proposed. The League essentially won this battle (notice I used battle... not war) within the Committee. Even worse, an amendment was passed that ensured that nobody else in the House will be able to amend the bill. The House Finance Committee met this morning at 8:30 and I was able to listen to the meeting through the General Assembly's website. While there was an amendment put forward by Rep. Hugh Holliman (D-Davidson), it doesn't go as far as you may think. "In order to get a vote, annexation foes would have to persuade 15% of voters in the entire city or town, plus the annexation area, to sign a petition for a referendum. That would be extremely difficult" said Aitken.
The Good (sort of):
During this morning's meeting, many legislators stood up and said "NO" to the fact that there won't be amendments allowed on the floor. There were many calls for democracy and open government. Honestly, it was very refreshing to hear!!!
The Ugly:
Unfortunately, the ugly goes right along with the "good". The title of the bill had been changed to a lengthy and tight new title which is about 1 1/2 pages long. Check it out here. Amendments on the floor will change this lengthy and tight-defining title, so Rep. Johnathan Rhyne attempted to change the title back to its original form. The amendment failed in a 13-15 vote with all Republicans and Rep. Bill Faison voting in favor of the amendment and all Democrats voting against it.
The meeting recessed until after session this afternoon. Expect an update on how the last 4 amendments fare & the final vote within the Committee.
Dear Governor Perdue,
You are cordially invited to comment on the House and Senate budget proposals.
Sincerely, House Republicans
Governor Perdue has been invited to be more vocal on the House and Budget proposals through a resolution that was filed June 22. "It sends a message that in this time of severe crisis that more hands on deck, more minds toward the problem is the best possible solution," said Rep. Dale Folwell, R-Forsyth, and co-sponsor of the resolution. "The House balanced its budget with a combinatin of regressive taxes and taxes that make North Carolina a more expensive place in which to live and work," the resolution states.
When the House was debating the budget, Republicans praised the Governor's budget proposal and particularly her plan to only budget jobs that were filled. "I just don't believe the Governor of our state would propose something nonsensical," Rep. John Blust, R-Guilford, said during the budget debate.
Perdue has been holding rallies around the state in support for tax hikes to preserve education.
Sincerely, House Republicans
Governor Perdue has been invited to be more vocal on the House and Budget proposals through a resolution that was filed June 22. "It sends a message that in this time of severe crisis that more hands on deck, more minds toward the problem is the best possible solution," said Rep. Dale Folwell, R-Forsyth, and co-sponsor of the resolution. "The House balanced its budget with a combinatin of regressive taxes and taxes that make North Carolina a more expensive place in which to live and work," the resolution states.
When the House was debating the budget, Republicans praised the Governor's budget proposal and particularly her plan to only budget jobs that were filled. "I just don't believe the Governor of our state would propose something nonsensical," Rep. John Blust, R-Guilford, said during the budget debate.
Perdue has been holding rallies around the state in support for tax hikes to preserve education.
Stimulus in NC
More than 550 workers received more than $350,000 for working on transportation stimulus projects, according to the State Department of Transportation . Those employees worked a combined 17,690 hours. While the total is still small, it grew considerably from April, when just 74 employees earned $22,751 for 994 hours of work. No state employees received stimulus payroll money in March. The state Department of Transportation has received a total of $838 million in federal stimulus funds, including $735 million for road and bridge projects. The Federal Highway Administration estimates that every $1 million spent on transportation creates 30 jobs. (Charlotte Business Journal, 6/19/09)
Troxler to Wheat Farmers: Test It!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2009
| CONTACT: | Jennifer Godwin, feed administrator Dan Weathington, executive director |
Troxler urges farmers to have wheat tested for vomitoxin
This mold has been found in samples in central and Northeastern N.C.
RALEIGH - Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler urges farmers to have their wheat tested following the discovery of high levels of vomitoxin in wheat samples from central and Northeastern North Carolina.
High levels of vomitoxin, which is a byproduct of a fungus, can cause problems for humans and livestock. Vomitoxin is most often seen when wet weather occurs during the flowering and grain filling stages of development. Visible signs can include low yield, head scab and pink-tinted grain kernels, but testing is the only way to positively identify the fungus.
"To help farmers quickly determine if high levels of this fungus is their wheat, our Food and Drug Protection Division lab will test samples submitted to the lab for free," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "This will be a quick screening process, but additional confirmatory testing is required if farmers need to make insurance claims through the Risk Management Agency."
Two-pound samples and a completed test form should be delivered or shipped overnight by FedEx or UPS to the Feed & Forage Testing Facility, c/o NCDA&CS, 4000 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh 27607. Forms can be downloaded at http://www.ncagr.gov/fooddrug/forms/forageanalysis.pdf or copies can be supplied by the County Extension Office.
"There is a degree of urgency in testing now because it is a critical time in the harvest process," Troxler said. "Farmers who are planning to follow their wheat crop with soybeans are under a June 30 deadline to get their beans in the ground in order to qualify for crop insurance. Farmers harvesting their wheat now may not even know this mold is in their crop and could be contaminating wheat that may already be stored in grain bins. Knowing the status of their wheat will allow farmers to address the situation and ensure their ability to market their wheat."
Cap & Trade
Clean energy legislation (American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009) passed the US House of Representatives, but not before the House Agriculture Committee ensured that farmers, ranchers and forestland owners would have the ability to participate in a market-based carbon offset program which would be an income earning activity. Legislation that was passed in the house states that the agriculture and forestry sectors are exempt from the bill's greenhouse emission reduction requirements - in other words, they're not subject to the greenhouse gas emissions "cap". "Within the USDA, an agricultural and forestry offset program would work with farmers, ranchers and forestland owners to design and implement plans that reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon on their operations. They can then sell the credits to utilities, refiners, or other firms subject to limitations on greenhouse gas emissions."Chairman Peterson states: "Farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners have been participating in conservation and carbon sequestration programs for many years, working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, and support a thriving renewable energy industry. This legislation recognizes those efforts and encourages these important activities."
How NC delegation voted:
YES: Butterfield, Miller, Watt, Shuler, Price, Etheridge
NO: Jones, Foxx, McIntyre, Coble, McHenry, Kissell, Myrick
The NC State Grange finds comfort in the fact that the House Agriculture Committee worked extremely hard to advocate on behalf of farmers, ranchers and forestland owners. It is important that there are folks doing their best to consider legislation that positively affects farmers, ranchers and forestland owners. However, the State Grange has opposed H.R. 2454, American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 based on the following tenets.
How NC delegation voted:
YES: Butterfield, Miller, Watt, Shuler, Price, Etheridge
NO: Jones, Foxx, McIntyre, Coble, McHenry, Kissell, Myrick
The NC State Grange finds comfort in the fact that the House Agriculture Committee worked extremely hard to advocate on behalf of farmers, ranchers and forestland owners. It is important that there are folks doing their best to consider legislation that positively affects farmers, ranchers and forestland owners. However, the State Grange has opposed H.R. 2454, American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 based on the following tenets.
- The cost of compliance to a "cap and trade" policy will ultimately be passed onto the consumer / A typical family's energy bill would rise
- Poor and middle income earners spend a larger percentage of their paycheck on fuel, groceries and home heating
- Rural Americans spend more fuel as a percentage of their income than those living in urban areas because the distance that must be traveled to work and shop
- 2009 Council of Economic Advisers' Report of the President (see p. 27 of the report): US action alone will not reverse global emission growth or stabilize global atmospheric greenhouse concentrations
- China & India = home to most polluted cities in the world and they have not committed to reduce emissions
- American commitment to reduction will place us at a competitive disadvantage
Fellowship in Beaufort County
If you know anything about the Grange, you know that we all love spending time together! Nothing could be more evident than when Jessica and I pulled up to a shop downtown and saw these lovely ladies across the street!
One of the highlights of the Board Meeting was being able to attend Beaufort County Grange's meeting where they recognized folks in the community who were doing great things for the county. They included Educator of the Year, Non-Granger of the Year, Church of the Year and others. Their building was full of people, the food was awesome & the community is lucky to have organizations like Beaufort County Grange in them!!
Jimmy being interviewed by the newspaper
One of the highlights of the Board Meeting was being able to attend Beaufort County Grange's meeting where they recognized folks in the community who were doing great things for the county. They included Educator of the Year, Non-Granger of the Year, Church of the Year and others. Their building was full of people, the food was awesome & the community is lucky to have organizations like Beaufort County Grange in them!!
Jimmy being interviewed by the newspaperPCS Phosphate
The Board Meeting was held in Washington, NC and a large part of my attendance was to visit the PCS Phosphate plant. PCS Phosphate is the largest taxpayer and largest employer in Beaufort County. PCS employs 1,000 direct employees and between 500 and 1,000 contract employees. There are also other local industries who make their living, indirectly, off of PCS - truck drivers, suppliers, restaurants, physicians and attorneys.On our tour, we learned that the area that we were in was, at one time, under water which explains all of the sea shells we saw around the plant!
PCS has been engaged in negotiations with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the state and federal level for 8+ years. These negotiations center around the ability to mine for phosphate. The initial proposal would allow for 45 years of mining, but compromises have been decreased to 35 years of mining. Tom Richter, Chairman of the Beaufort County Committee of 100, is very blunt about the repercussions of not obtaining the permit: "If PCS were to cave in, hypothetically, and accept something that gives them very limited time to mine, all we have done is postpone the inevitable. We have to remember that they are not allowed to mine translates into lost tax revenue and loss of future jobs. Give up enough land, and the remaining time left at the mine will be reduced to the point where it may not be effective to mine the ore. It may also cause the company to leave Beaufort County in our lifetime, which is totally unnecessary. The company could be there for another 100 years if allowed to mine effectively."
The hurdle to obtain a permit comes from the threat to water quality and the destruction of wetlands. Tom Richter, again, comments on this issue. "The experts in charge of that, the US Army Corps of Engineers, have determined that the impact is well within the limits of the law, which is why it wants to issue the permit ... The mine pit itself will be over a hundred feet deep, so any fear of run off into South Creek is not valid; runoff will actually be reduced, not increased. Interestingly, of the 4,000 acres of 'pristine wetlands' the opponents claim, only 7 acres are water. The remainder is mostly what we see all over eastern North Carolina ... Under the law, PCS has to add about two acres for every acre of wetland removed. In fact, the company has already created 2,500 acres of replacement wetlands even though the wetlands impact will occur over 35 years. That means, as we sit here, we have more wetlands today than last year.
(This photo is an example of an area that was previously mined and now there is new growth.)
The Beaufort County Commissioners took their fight to Washington, DC where they lobbied lawmakers for support on this issue. Senator Burr, Senator Hagan, Congressman Jones and Congressman Butterfield stood with them on this issue.
The day before we arrived, the EPA granted a permit to mine for until 2045.
A big thanks to Robert & Debra Rose Cayton who made this tour possible. Also, a big thanks goes out to the folks at PCS Phosphate who spent their time informing us all about this beneficial asset to Beaufort County and allowing us to have an onsite lunch with them!
A big thanks to Robert & Debra Rose Cayton who made this tour possible. Also, a big thanks goes out to the folks at PCS Phosphate who spent their time informing us all about this beneficial asset to Beaufort County and allowing us to have an onsite lunch with them!
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