Carolina Farm Credit CEO Vance Dalton has been appointed by N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory to serve on the newly created North Carolina Food Manufacturing Task Force.

The task force is made up of 30 members with experience in food manufacturing, including farming, transportation, packaging, processing and economic development. McCrory announced the creation of the task force in June, citing a state goal to expand the economic impact of agriculture in North Carolina to $100 billion by the end of the year.

The task force will focus on developing a strategic business plan to leverage existing activities in food processing and manufacturing, establish a statewide food processing and manufacturing organization, create a plan to develop a proactive industrial recruitment campaign for new business development, plan to foster the growth of food manufacturing endeavors, enhance development of innovative food products and processes, and provide sector-specific regulatory training and outreach.

“Being selected to serve on the Food Manufacturing Task Force is a great honor,” Dalton said. “By working on this task force, we will not only be able to enhance agriculture in North Carolina, but support and improve life in our rural communities, as well.”

Carolina Farm Credit is a stockholder-owned cooperative providing financing to farmers and agriculture-related businesses. The company also provides financing for the construction and purchase of homes, life insurance, crop insurance, appraisal services, leasing programs and financial planning.

Lt. Governor Dan Forest, Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler and Secretary of Commerce John Skvarla will serve as voting members on the task force.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.