Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced the appointments of members to Beginning Farmer Committee on August 12. Out of the 11 appointees, two of them are members of the SU Ag Center Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute. Luciano Alvarado of North Carolina is a graduate of the 2nd class and Frances Benton Gibson of South Carolina is a member of the Institute's 3rd class.

"One of the primary goals of the Leadership Institute is to develop leaders and advocates for the small farm community, and I am of the opinion that both of these individuals will be excellent representatives," said Dawn Mellion-Patin, Agricultural Specialist and Institute program director.

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