A group of farmers from the 8th District have formed a group called Another Farmer for Kissell to support U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell in his re-election campaign for Congress.

"The people that work the land have to overcome adverse weather conditions and fluctuating markets, and Larry Kissell understands these concerns and does a great job" said Allen McLaurin, a Scotland County farmer and chairman of Another Farmer for Kissell.

The group said that in his first 19 months in office, Kissell has worked with farmers, local officials, and administration officials to address agriculture issues and protect our district's bountiful farms.

"We're faced with a lot of obstacles and the next farm bill will be very challenging for all those involved," McLaurin said in a press statement. "As a district and state, we're very lucky to have Larry Kissell representing us on the House Agriculture Committee."

The agriculture industry in North Carolina makes up over $70 billion in economic activity for the state, and is responsible for almost a fifth of all jobs statewide.

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Kissell has fought for an adequate and working safety net for farmers, commitment to protecting our family farms, and the strengthening of our rural and agricultural communities.

Kissell has also championed investments in home grown energy sources, a common sense approach to sustainability and stewardship of our lands, the foundational pillar of agriculture.

"I am honored and grateful to have the support of so many farming and agriculture leaders from across our district," Kissell said. "This industry is vital to our economy and way of life, and I'm proud to have these folks supporting our campaign as we fight for an agriculture policy that is in the best interest of North Carolina farmers and families, not special interest groups. The livelihood and wellbeing of North Carolina is dependent upon a strong agricultural industry, and I won't rest until folks in Washington recognize that."