The N.C. Agriculture and Forestry Awareness Study Commission is scheduled to take place in Belhaven on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 12:30 p.m. 

Issues related to agricultural drainage in eastern counties will be discussed.

“Please feel free to come and join us, and please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions,” stated Jordan Hennessy, legislative assistant to Senator Bill Cook.

The Commission was formed in 1985 to bring to the attention of the General Assembly the influence of agriculture and forestry on the economy of the State, study the present status of agriculture and forestry, identify problems limiting future growth and development of the industry, develop an awareness of the importance of science and technological development to the future of agriculture and forestry industries, and formulate plans for new State initiatives and support for agriculture and forestry and for the expansion of opportunities in these sectors.

Commission co-chairs are Senators Andrew Brock, Bill Cook, Brent Jackson and Trudy Wade, and Representatives Mark Brody, Jimmy Dixon, James H. Langdon Jr. and Bob Steinburg.

Ex-officio members are Jimmy Gentry, Mitchell A. Peele, Marshall Thompson, Matthew Dockham and Commissioner Steven Troxler.

Public members are Maurice K. Berry, Donald Butler, Wood Farless, Sue M. Gray, Carla Harper, C. Howard Isley, Danny McConnell, Katie E. Mills, Sherwood Padgette and Alice Scott.

The commission will meet on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 12:30 p.m. in the Wilkinson Center, 144 W. Main St., Belhaven.

Commission members are to visit a local agricultural operation at 10:30 a.m.

Lunch is at 12:30 p.m. in the Wilkinson Center with the official proceedings to commence at 1:00 p.m.