Carroll County Agriculture Association formed
By Paul Marcellino Ag Extension Educator
Fifty farmers and agribusiness persons came together on March 1 to form the Carroll County Agriculture Association.

Ag board of directors The board of directors for the newly formed Carroll County Agriculture Association is pictured above, l-r: Front row - Travis Flora, Jason Pearson, George Mears. Back - Dean Scott, Paul Marcellino, Maurice Robeson, John Garrison. Sam Moffitt, not pictured, also will serve on the board, as well as a student, yet to be named. Photo provided

This organization will be a non-profit §501(c)(6) corporation that will represent Carroll County agriculture as a unified group, including all persons involved in agriculture production and agribusiness.

During the Saturday morning meeting, the group voted and passed the mission statement, articles of incorporation and bylaws, and a board of directors.

The group nominated directors through their respective commodity interest or business and were approved by the entire group. Travis Flora, John Garrison, George Mears, Sam Moffitt, Jason Pearson, Maurice Robeson, and Dean Scott are the new directors. A student member, yet to be named, and the Carroll County Extension Educator will be non-voting members of the board.

The mission of this group is to promote agriculture through best management practices and to enhance and sustain the Carroll County Community. The Carroll County Agriculture Association (CCAA) goals are to promote Carroll County agriculture and develop a better understanding about modern agriculture in the community. Members are encouraged to receive education, certification, and implementation of best production practices that improve the environment and well-being of the community.

Efforts in agriculture economic development and bioenergy will be explored to encourage value-added production of farm products to encourage growth for our existing and next generation family farms. The CCAA will work with local and state officials to find solutions that are equitable to all citizens while protecting the rights of farmers and agribusiness as well as neighboring property owners.

The final goal of this organization is youth development.

This group invites the ideas of our youth and extends membership to them to become part of this organization. Program design will encourage youth to participate in agriculture through educational and business opportunities and scholarships.

For more information or to become a part of the Carroll County Agriculture Association, contact Paul Marcellino at the Purdue University Extension Office/Carroll County at 765-564-3169 or email at pmarcellino@purdue.edu.