RALEIGH – From family photos with Big Foot to choose-and-cut Christmas trees, there is an abundance of fun holiday activities waiting for visitors at area farms this season. “There is no greater joy than spending time with loved ones during the holidays,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Farms that offer agritourism activities allow for families to come together with plenty …
USDA to Fund NC State-Led Group on COVID-19 Food Safety
According to N.C. State Extension, North Carolina State University experts will lead a national project for COVID-19 research and outreach to the food sector with a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “We really want to help the food sector make decisions based on the best available science, fill knowledge gaps and provide specific training,” said Ben …
Trump Administration Invests $2.3 Million in High-Speed Broadband in Rural North Carolin
YADKINVILLE, N.C., Oct. 26, 2020 – The Trump Administration announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $2.3 million to provide broadband service in unserved and underserved rural areas in North Carolina. This investment is part of the $550 million Congress allocated to the second round of the ReConnect Program. “Access to high-speed internet is a …
N.C. Pecan Growers Expect Plentiful Crop
Contact: Dexter Hill, pecan marketing specialistNCDA&CS Marketing Division252-527-7125; dexter.hill@ncagr.gov RALEIGH – After several years of weather-related setbacks, North Carolina pecan growers are reporting a strong crop. That is welcome news for farmers such as Tim Haithcock, who has been growing pecans for over 25 years. “My trees have been heavy,” Haithcock said. “They are looking very, very good with plenty …
North Carolina Forestry Association, N.C. Forest Service Promote National Forest Products Week
RALEIGH – National Forest Products Week is celebrated the third week in October every year, and in celebration, the North Carolina Forestry Association and the N.C Forest Service recognizes the $33.6 billion contribution of the forest products industry to our state’s economy. NCFA Executive Director John Hatcher says, “Forestry is a significant economic driver for our state, ensuring jobs and …
Cold Outbreak at End of October Could End Growing Season in Northern Alabama, Georgia
According to Pam Knox, University of Georgia agricultural climatologist, in her UGA Extension blog, the forecasts are starting to show a strong cold front passing through the Southeast at the end of October. This will usher in a period of much colder air which could include frost across northern Alabama and Georgia as well as western parts of the Carolinas …
NCDA&CS Announces Specialty Crop Block Grant Recipients
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced the recipients of more than $1.25 million in funding from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The funding will be used for projects that enhance the quality of specialty crops grown in North Carolina. “North Carolina is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation, and …
North Carolina to Continue Under Industrial Hemp Pilot Program
According to the North Carolina State Extension, the NC Industrial Hemp Pilot Program was set to expire on Oct. 31, 2020. However, Congress passed a law (Wednesday) that allows states to continue their pilot programs until Sept. 20, 2021. For the time being the rules for growing hemp, licensing, compliance testing, etc. will remain the same in NC. NCDA&CS has …
Troxler Announces COVID-19 Assistance for Farmers Market Operators, Local Food Hubs
RALEIGH – Beginning Oct. 1, farmers markets operators and local food hubs can apply for assistance through the COVID-19 Emergency Aid for Farmers Market Operators and Local Food Hubs program. A total of $750,000 will be available from federal COVID-19 funds earmarked for North Carolina. Funding is meant to assist with losses from reduced number of vendors, plus offset additional …
Troxler Announces $2 Million in Funds for Dairy Assistance Due to COVID-19 Losses
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services RALEIGH – Grade A dairy fluid milk producers in North Carolina who suffered losses because of COVID-19 disruptions in the milk supply chain can soon apply for assistance through the COVID-19 Dairy Aid Program 2020. A total of $2 million will be available, with limits on the amount paid to producers. “The …