Two farmers have been elected to the Beaufort Soil and Water Conservation District supervisory board, according to unofficial vote counts in Beaufort County.

Archie Griffin, of Washington, and James Allen, of Pantego, were the top vote-getters for two seats available on the board. Griffin received 9,316 votes to Allen’s 8,905. Science and health professor Adam Philipps received 4,779 votes.

All votes counts are unofficial until canvassing is complete. Canvassing begins Nov. 16.

The goal of the board is to “foster voluntary, incentive-drive management of soil, water and related natural resources for the benefit of the environment, economy and all citizens,” according to the North Carolina Agriculture website. The conservation commission oversees such initiatives as cost-share, easement and education programs, and tackles such issues as animal waste management, watershed initiatives and disaster response for agricultural entities.

Griffin said he is grateful for the support he’s received from Beaufort County voters

“It is an honor and a very humbling experience to be elected to serve the Soil and Water Conservation District,” Griffin wrote in a text.