By Mark Czarnota for CAES News During the holiday season in the U.S., more than 20 million freshly cut Christmas trees are sold every year, with fir trees topping the most-desired list. Unfortunately growers cannot meet the needs of consumers, and every year, there is a shortage of trees, primarily due to the incredible losses of susceptible firs — including …
USDA NIFA Offers Grants for Hemp Supply Chains & Rural Development
Written By Marne Coit According to N.C. State Extension, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), has announced a new round of grant funding that specifically includes support for hemp projects. The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Competitive Grants Program is intended to fund projects related to research, extension and education. The purpose of AFRI’s Sustainable Agricultural …
Three to Join the N.C. Agricultural Hall of Fame
RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced the addition of three new members to the N.C. Agricultural Hall of Fame – John Holman Cyrus of Raleigh, Fred N. Colvard of Jefferson and Marshall W. Grant of Garysburg. Established in 1953, the Agricultural Hall of Fame posthumously recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to agriculture in the state and beyond. …
North Carolina Farms Plan Bounty of Holiday Activities
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 …