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Hayes Named Chair Of Livestock, Horticulture Subcommittee

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — North Carolina Rep. Robin Hayes has been appointed chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture Livestock and Horticulture Subcommittee.

The chairman of the full Agriculture Committee, Rep. Bob Goodlatte of Virginia, made the announcement at a Tuesday press conference.

"I am excited about this new opportunity that Chairman Goodlatte has extended to me," Hayes said. "I would like to thank him for entrusting me with this leadership role.

"Agriculture is very important across the U.S. and plays a large role in the economy of the 8th District and the rest of North Carolina. I look forward to working with Chairman Goodlatte and the rest of the Ag. Committee to promote policies that are good both for our farmers and our consumers."

Hayes' subcommittee has jurisdiction over livestock, poultry, meat, seafood and seafood products, inspection, marketing and promotion of such commodities, aquaculture, animal welfare, grazing, fruits and vegetables, marketing and promotion orders.

"Robin Hayes is one of the hardest working members I know here in Congress," said Rep. Richard Pombo of Calif., the outgoing chairman of the Livestock and Horticulture Subcommittee. "I know that agriculture issues are important to him.

"More than a lot of folks up here, Robin understands the impact, either positive or negative, that the legislation we work on can have on this important industry."

According to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, agriculture is North Carolina's top industry, contributing $59 billion annually to the state's economy (including food, fiber and forestry). Agriculture accounts for 19 percent of the North Carolina economy and employs 20 percent of the state's work force.

North Carolina is one of the most diversified agriculture states in the nation. More than 56,000 farmers grow more than 80 different commodities, utilizing 9.1 million of the state's 31 million acres to furnish consumers a dependable and affordable supply of food and fiber.

North Carolina produces more tobacco and sweet potatoes than any other state, and it ranks second in the production of hogs, turkeys, Christmas trees and trout.

The state ranks third nationally in farm profits with a net farm income of more than $3.2 billion.

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