Richard Burr: “Senator Thom Tillis and I would like to recognize the distinguished service of a great North Carolinian. After a 25-year…”

“Senator Thom Tillis and I would like to recognize the distinguished service of a great North Carolinian. After a 25-year career with the North Carolina Farm Bureau, Larry Wooten is stepping aside as president at the end of this year. President Wooten has been a steadfast advocate for agriculture and rural North Carolina. Larry has worked tirelessly to advance initiatives that strengthen and improve our State's rural communities. He is an exemplary servant leader that has always encouraged others to ``give back'' to the organizations, the communities, and the State that have provided them with opportunities for growth and advancement. He is a founding member of the NC Rural Economic Development Center where he served on the board of directors and executive committee. He has also served with distinction on the American Farm Bureau Board of Directors, the NC Board of Agriculture, the Agricultural Consortium Board, and the Rural Prosperity Task Force. He has served as chair of the American Farm Bureau Foreign Trade Committee and on USDA's Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee, APAC. Most significant, however, is the impact Wooten has had on North Carolina agriculture. In his role as president, he has been an effective voice for agribusiness and farmers--educating leaders and lawmakers about the State's largest economic sector and helping shape sound State and national policy for its future.…”