MONMOUTH – Dairy farmer Nancy E. Smith, a Democratic representative from Monmouth, has been nominated for the position of vice president of State Agriculture and Rural Leaders.

The group met last week in Tempe, Ariz., to vote for officers and discuss agricultural and rural issues facing state policymakers.

SARL was created as an off-shoot of the Agricultural Chairs organization, a group that gathers legislative leaders to discuss the major issues affecting agriculture and rural communities, including international trade, biotechnology, animal and livestock concerns and rural job development.

“In attending two previous national Agricultural Chairs meetings, I have learned that the rural and farming issues key to Maine are also important to other states,” Smith said. “The SARL organization allows us to work together to solve current problems and look to the future of farming.”

Smith is the co-chairwoman of the Legislature’s Business, Research and Economic Development Committee.