EPA visits Canton farm during listening tour of southeast food producers

CANTON, Miss. (WLBT) – The state’s number one industry has the attention of the federal organization that insures we have a safe environment. The EPA’s regional head is in Mississippi to hear from the people who grow our food about issues impacting them.

The Environmental Protection Agency visited Sumrall Farms in Canton on Wednesday. It is just one stop for the agency to find out the thoughts and concerns of Mississippi farmers.

EPA Region 4 Administrator Kevin McOmber toured the Madison County farm with thousands of acres of produce ranging from peas and corn to tomatoes and soybeans. The concern he’s heard from many farmers in the southeast is herbicide and pesticide usage.

“We’re learning about those issues and before the end of the year we plan to be able to get back to folks on any changes that need to be made, but we think there will be some,” said McOmber. “The last administration made it more difficult for folks to be able to do business. So we’re looking to help with that.”

Jerry Sumrall runs the 62-year-old farming operation.

“It’s the only way of life,” said Sumrall.

The 75-year-old tends 3,000 acres of soybeans and 25 acres of vegetables.

“They wanted to come in and see if we have any problems with chemicals that we use or any of the issues on that, and we really have not had much other than in the vegetables,” said Sumrall. “We don’t have a lot of chemicals that we use and do a good job of controlling it.”

Mississippi Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson accompanied the federal administrator on the farm tour.

“This is our number one employer in the state,” said Gipson. “Most of the jobs in this state are directly or indirectly related to agriculture, farming, and so it’s never been more important that we have the kind of partnership with the Trump administration, President Trump and Director McOmber.”

Mississippi is one of eight states the administrator is visiting in his region.

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