Group rallies in support of agriculture in NC

Hundreds of supporters for agriculture and farming gathered in front of the legislature building Monday to show their support for the North Carolina agricultural industry, but the rally didn't work as Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the Farm Act bill Monday night.

Farmers said the bill would would have protected their farms from an unnecessary lawsuit and they rallied to show their support for the lawmakers in an effort to get their bills passed.

Cooper on Monday night said nuisance laws allow families to enjoy their homes without fearing for their health and safety.

"While agriculture is vial to North Carolina's economy, so property rights are vital to people's homes and other businesses," Cooper said. "Our laws must balance the needs of businesses veruss property rights. Giving one industry special treatment at the expense of its neighbors is unfair."

Earlier Monday, hundreds of people filled Bicentennial Mall to bring attention to the importance of the industry.

"It's the number one industry. There's so many things that feed off agriculture. I mean, car dealerships, furniture, everything feeds off agriculture," said Clinton farmer Kim Williams.

People at the rally were owners of hog farms, tobacco farms, and are truly passion about North Carolina's agricultural industry. They were voicing their support for lawmakers who vowed to protect the state's farming industry.

"I hope the people in this state and this nation will wake up and revere you, not challenge you, not take you to court, but revere you," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

In addition to supporting the industry as a whole, they were also supporting the Farm Act, a bill that prohibits certain neighbors from filing nuisance lawsuits against neighboring farms.

"Negligence is one thing, but if you've not broken a law or regulation or not broken a rule, then you have to defend yourself in a court of law. Just the price of defending yourself can put these farms out of business," Troxler said.

Though there were hundreds of farmers and families in support, the rally was briefly interrupted by an opposing voice, but the protester was quickly removed from the rally.

The North Carolina Justice Center held a press conference earlier Monday to oppose the bill, saying it infringes on basic property rights.

"It's really important to understand that private property rights are fundamental to a free society," Rick Glazier, director of the N.C. Justice Center, said.

Troxler said the next step would be for the legislature to override the veto.