State Executive Director of USDA Farm Service Agency NC Aaron Martin has published features he would like to see in the next farm bill. Among the roles of the federal government he includes:
As North Carolina’s population ages, this farm bill should identify, recruit, train and support a new generation of Haywood County farmers. Careers in agriculture should be presented with the same distinction, honor and prestige as those for doctors and lawyers. Agriculture is a national security matter. Imagine the results should we ever experience a food shortage. Expanding the agriculture talent pool is a priority. (USDA Farm Service Agency already provides incentives for young and beginning farmers to begin an operation.)
The entire list is here.
