House Majority Whip John G. Edwards (D-70, Tiverton, Portsmouth) will be attending the 2016 Legislative Agriculture Chairs Summit in Denver the weekend of January 9.

The summit, sponsored by State Agriculture and Rural Leaders, is designed for legislative leaders with an interest in agriculture and rural policy. The Summit is by invitation only and brings together state and provincial legislators that are passionate about rural communities and the people, the agriculture and the natural resources that fuel those communities.

“I am looking forward to meeting with legislators from other states to discuss and compare policies that address food production, natural resource management and rural development,” said Representative Edwards. “Agriculture continues to become more and more important to Rhode Island every year, and it’s important that our public policy addresses and reflects the latest issues.”

Since 2001, the LAC Summit has been providing a non-partisan educational opportunity for elected state and provincial officials with an interest in agriculture and rural communities to work together, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships.

In addition to meeting other legislators and hearing from the experts, Representative Edwards will have an opportunity to make site visits to get a glimpse of agricultural endeavors in Colorado. These site visits include a tour of marijuana production and processing facilities, which will give Representative Edwards an opportunity to see firsthand how marijuana production has had an impact on the economy and tax base of Colorado as well as the state’s culture.

Editorial note: Written from a state house news release