Juniata County farmer appointed to federal committee

David Graybill, a Juniata County dairy farmer, recently was appointed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC).

Established in 2008, the FRRCC never has had any members. The EPA began soliciting applications for members last year, and this month 33 members were appointed.

Members will serve two- or three-year terms that began June 15. They will meet twice annually to provide EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler with information, policy advice, and recommendations on environmental issues and policies that affect agriculture and rural communities.

Graybill will represent EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region, which includes Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

“I believe passionately that farmers should be leaders in conservation—not just to be good stewards of the land, but also because the steps we take to protect the environment and natural resources are smart and efficient farming practices,” Graybill said. “I look forward to bringing that perspective to the FRRCC and having the opportunity to discuss how policies proposed in Washington will affect our work on the farm.”

Graybill operates Red Sunset Farm in Mifflintown and has been involved with numerous agricultural organizations. He was the 2019 recipient of the American Dairy Association North East’s Environmental Stewardship Award.