A group of local farmers had a chance to talk with U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell on Thursday.

The Biscoe congressman attended a breakfast meeting of the Scotland County Farm Bureau Board, talking to the group about current legislation in Congress.

Kissell told the group that some people lack an understanding of how important farmers are to the average American. One person had told him "I don't care about farmers, I get my food from Food Lion."

"People sometime forget where that come from," Kissell said. "We appreciate our farmers."

He said Congress works to help maintain the base for farmers so they can continue to provide an "affordable" product.

He listed several issues he has worked on this year.

Kissell told the farmers he worked to make sure the Food and Drug Administration did not have the ability to regulate farms, leaving food production oversight in the hands of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which he feels is better acquainted with the needs of farmers.

He also said he opposes farmers needing to get special permits to use pesticides on their property as it will place an unnecessary burden on farmers.

Kissell told the group that he takes issue with the "death tax" – the federal Estate Tax that allows the government to tax inheritance – as it can break up family farms.

One issue that has come up is antibiotics used in livestock. Kissell said use of the drugs do not affect humans, but some in congress still take issue with its use.

Congress has explored some possibilities, but currently believes its safer to use antibiotics as American's will be eating healthier livestock.

"We had some people that went to Denmark because we had heard that they had done away with antibiotics and they were having great success with their animals," Kissell said. "I asked (U.S. Rep.) Leonard Bowell from Iowa when he got back ''What did you find?' and he said "We found a bunch of sick animals,' so that is another issue we are facing."

He also invited those in attendance to attend field hearings planned for the end of June in Fayetteville. The event will be a joint meeting between people from the 7th and 8th Congressional districts.