(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Martha Roby, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, announced the recent formation of her Agriculture Advisory Panel. Recently, Rep. Roby held her first meeting with members of the panel - which include farmers and leaders in the agriculture industry from across Alabama’s Second Congressional District. The newly formed Advisory Panel will serve as an essential resource for Rep. Roby as the House Agriculture Committee continues discussing provisions that will be included in the 2012 Farm Bill.  

“Since taking office, I have made it a priority to formulate a panel of leaders in agriculture who represent our district. The production and professional experience of the panel members vary – covering counties and commodities throughout the Wiregrass, the River Region and other parts of Alabama’s Second Congressional District. Their combined knowledge will provide me specialized guidance on agriculture priorities necessary for our farmers here in Alabama,” said Rep. Roby. 

During the first meeting, members and Rep. Roby discussed issues specific to conservation, crop insurance, irrigation, row crops as well as cattle and poultry concerns. 

“While Congress continues to work on the details of the 2012 Farm Bill, it is my responsibility to bring the voices of the farmers from right here in Alabama to the forefront of the discussion. Throughout the upcoming hearings on Farm Bill legislation, we need to ensure that all of our farming interests are accurately represented. This bill must contain provisions that are both responsive and beneficial to our farmers here in Alabama, all while maintaining fiscal restraint.  

“In the next Farm Bill, Congress will be placing an emphasis on ensuring existing programs are the most efficient to ensure our farmers can farm. Members of the Advisory Panel will work with me through the process to ensure the changes made provide a safety net for agriculture. Farmers must always be able to maintain agriculture production, which is critical to our national security,” said Rep. Roby. 

In conjunction to the Agriculture Advisory Panel, Rep. Roby has held several Agriculture listening sessions in the Second Congressional District. Roby will continue to host these sessions to ensure that Alabama farmers have a voice in Congress.   

Members of the Agriculture Advisory Panel are listed below:  

Dale Armstrong – Dothan

Tony Beck – Rutledge

Andy Bell – Tallassee

Hassey Brooks – Montgomery

Josh Carnley – Enterprise

Monica Carroll – Ozark

Kenny Childree – Comer

Walt Corcoran – Eufaula

Albert Curry – Pinckard

Tom Duncan – Greenville

John Dorrill – Troy

Cindi Fain – Geneva

Richard Holladay – Hayneville

George Jeffcoat – Gordon

Gary Mattox – Headland

Neil Outlaw – Hartford

Carl Sanders – Brundidge

Salem Saloom – Evergreen

Andy Sumblin – Kinston

Andy Wendland – Autaugaville

Ed White – Headland

Ricky Wiggins – Andalusia