Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources Steering Committee

NCACC Agriculture Guiding Principles

• Agricultural land use decisions are best made at the local level and should rest with local governments to meet local needs.
• State policies should provide local options and tools for the preservation of farmland, if they serve the best interest of all counties.
• The agricultural programs of land grant universities in North Carolina should partner with public and private research, education, and outreach efforts to ensure the future of agriculture in North Carolina.
• Agricultural issues related to the environment transcend governmental boundaries and require close coordination of policy and action by federal, state, and local governments.
• Powers delegated to the counties for the protection of the public health are important for protecting the land and water resources that are vital for agricultural endeavors.
• The state should provide funds for any increased county responsibilities and shifts of state responsibilities to counties.
• Support state funding and staffing for agricultural research, Cooperative Extension services, and other agriculture-related efforts to support the largest economic driver in North Carolina.

NCACC Environment Guiding Principles

• People have an inherent impact on the environment. Public policy must recognize the need to balance these human activities with protecting the environment.
• Environmental laws should be justified by sound science and information, and also be based on a clear rationale and purpose for regulatory change.
• The state and federal governments should fully communicate and engage with local governments when developing administrative rules and policies affecting the environment. Thorough analyses of health, environmental, and fiscal risks should also be completed by the issuing entity.
• County governments should have an appropriate and reasonable amount of time to review and issue comments regarding state and federal environmental policies and proposals.
• The state should provide as much flexibility and discretion to counties as possible for implementing and enforcing environmental policy; this includes enforcing and setting associated taxes or fees.

Steering Committee Membership List

The following committee appointments were confirmed the week of December 9, 2025. Appointments for the 2025-2026 committees will end July 31, 2026. Committee membership is open to all county commissioners. Check the NCACC Calendar for meeting details.