News

Congressman Edwards forms farm advisory board

By Lightning Reports, Published: May 19, 2023

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards announced Tuesday that he is appointing nine local farmers and others in agriculture-related industries to his newly Agricultural Advisory Board.

The board will advise Edwards throughout his term, especially during the process of developing the Farm Bill, which expires this year after five years and must be passed again by Congress.
“From apples to trout, from Christmas trees to greenhouses, Western North Carolina is a national leader in agriculture,” Edwards said. “It’s always important to hear from farmers and growers in WNC, but especially so during a year when Congress is negotiating the Farm Bill. These folks put food on our tables and grow our economy. I’m grateful that these board members chose to take time away from their farms and businesses to share their expertise and recommendations that will directly affect lives and livelihoods in WNC and across the nation.”
The following members will serve on the board:
• Robin Reeves, Reeves Homeplace Farm, Madison County
• Dale Hawkins, Sandy Hollar Farms, Buncombe County
• Kirby Johnson, Flavor 1st Growers and Packers , Henderson County
• Kenny Barnwell, Barnwell’s Apple House, Henderson County
Brian Traylor, Gaia Herbs, Transylvania County
• Chuck Francis, Coastal AgroBusiness, Haywood County
• Mark Williams, Agribusiness Henderson County (AgHC), Henderson County
• Adam Huscusson, H & H Farms, Macon County
• Anne Grier, Gaining Ground Farms, Buncombe County