Representative David Rouzer

Dear Friend,

Since our nation’s founding, agriculture has been a key component of our economy and success. It has always been, and continues to be, the dominant industry in North Carolina, currently contributing $103 billion to our state’s economy and far outpacing any other industry in economic output.

During the summer district work period, I enjoyed meeting with many of the farm families, local leaders, and businesses throughout our small-town communities who proudly contribute to our state's agricultural success. Keep reading below for more information about these visits, important resources, and more!

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Meeting with NC-07 Agriculture Leaders

I continually host meetings with my advisory councils to get input and better understand the challenges faced. This past month, I met with the farmers who serve on my Agriculture Advisory Council to hear directly from them about the issues facing North Carolina farm families. We met in Bladen County, where agriculture remains a huge part of life and the local economy. (Quick Fact: North Carolina is among the nation's top ten in blueberry production with Bladen County producing the most in the state.)

I appreciate all who joined me to provide their input as Congress works to reauthorize the Farm Bill this year.

While in Bladen County, I enjoyed stopping for lunch at the Elizabethtown Farmers Market where I spoke with local officials, business owners, and members of our law enforcement community. It was great to see Bladen County Sheriff McVicker, Mac Campbell, Elizabethtown Mayor Sylvia Campbell, Bladen County Clerk of Court Cristin Hursey, and others who do so much for the Bladen County community.

NC-07 is blessed with many farmers markets providing access to fresh, locally grown products!

Touring Gildan

Gildan is one of the leading apparel manufacturers in the country employing more than 2,500 workers across North Carolina. It was great touring their yarn-spinning facility in Clarkton, where American grown cotton is spun into the yarn used for fabric production and eventually made into finished apparel. North Carolina has a rich history of textile production, and we discussed policy and trade issues important to the U.S. textile industry.

Resources

Passport Awareness Month: September is Passport Awareness Month! While many begin to travel internationally again, please remember to check your passport expiration date today and apply for your passport 6-9 months before the expiration date or travel. It's highly recommended you do not make international travel arrangements until you have your physical updated passport in hand. Visit travel.state.gov/passports to learn about how to apply.

Mobile Office Hours: If you are having trouble working with a federal agency, my office may be able to help resolve the problem or get the information you need. Through my Mobile Office Hours Program, my staff is available throughout North Carolina’s 7th District to bring congressional services to a convenient location so that you can obtain in-person assistance. I have mobile office hour opportunities coming up in September, so please stop by if there is anything my team and I can do to help! Click here for September dates and locations.

This Week's Good News Story

For this week’s good news story, I’m recognizing the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) and their conservation campaign, “Whole Lotta Otta”. This marketing campaign aims to educate the public about the aquatic environment conservation efforts being made by the NCAFF. According to The Robesonian, “The marketing campaign Whole Lotta Otta features the otters on static and digital billboards, buses, shuttles, social media posts and digital ads to raise awareness about the otters in the Aquarium and share their story of survival. 'We want to shine a light on how critical it is that the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is saving species through our work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums,' said Deyanira Romo Rossell, communications manager, NCAFF." Please join me in recognizing the NCAFF and their efforts to protect biodiversity and conserve critical wildlife habitats.

Closing Thoughts...

"In all that the people can individually do as well for themselves, government ought not to interfere." — Abraham Lincoln