Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced the appointment of Kentucky Farm Bureau Second Vice President Sharon Furches to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC).

Sharon and her husband live in Murray, Kentucky where they farm corn, soybean, wheat, and canola.

“I am honored to represent farm families from Kentucky and across the nation on this committee,” said Furches. “It is critical that the EPA has input from farmers who are directly affected by decisions made in Washington, D.C.”

KFB President Mark Haney praised the EPA for selecting Furches to the committee.

“I can’t think of a better leader to be a part of a group like this,” said Haney. “I personally have come to rely on Sharon’s advice and counsel. She is an insightful and effective leader for agriculture. Sharon will be a real asset to the EPA and an advocate for farm families in Kentucky and throughout the country.”

Established in 2008, the FRRCC provides independent policy advice, information, and recommendations to the EPA administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities.

 “One of my priorities for EPA has been to restore trust for our agency among agricultural stakeholders and rural communities,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “This committee will provide valuable input on how EPA’s decisions impact rural America, and I look forward to receiving the committee’s recommendations.”

In selecting committee members, EPA considered qualifications such as: whether candidates have experience in agricultural issues of relevance to EPA programs, are actively engaged in agricultural production, have related leadership experience, demonstrated ability to examine and analyze complex environmental issues with objectivity and integrity, have experience working on issues where building consensus is necessary, and are able to volunteer time to the committee’s activities.

The Committee expects to meet approximately twice a year beginning in late Summer of 2020.