By Frank Giles
Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series featuring state marketing programs for specialty crops.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services (NCDACS) offers a state program to help growers brand their locally grown produce. The program is called Got to Be NC (gottobenc.com), and its mission is to expand markets in North Carolina and beyond. The program is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
North Carolina’s agricultural sector boasts an economic impact of more than $110 billion annually. According to April Keeton, Got to Be NC program coordinator, the goal is to grow that figure to the advantage of the state’s farmers.
“The Got to Be NC program offers several key benefits to its members, primarily aimed at promoting and increasing sales of North Carolina agricultural products. These benefits include access to decision-makers in the retail and restaurant industries, and participation in promotional events and campaigns,” Keeton says. “Use of the Got to Be NC branding is available to participating members to help consumers easily identify products that are locally grown, raised, caught or produced in North Carolina.
“We also offer consultations with marketing specialists for retail, foodservice, institutional, specialty and international markets. When you become a member, you subscribe to our electronic monthly industry newsletter, and we follow your social media accounts as well as list your company on the Got to Be NC website.”
Engaging The Public
The Got to Be NC website provides recipes for consumers and other news important to grower members. The website also includes an extensive resources page with information on topics like how to start a food business, nutrition labeling for food items, information on running agritourism and more. All this information is available to the public.
How To Join
Keeton says the Got to Be NC membership is free to eligible farmers in the state. See is.gd/GottoBeNCmember for membership criteria.
“Member applications for specialty crops have had steady growth,” she says. “Increased members have been noted in honey, grape, mushroom and cut flower farms. Many growers are selling value-added products at on-site farmstands and participating at nearby farmers’ markets.”
Don’t miss the digital edition of this issue to see a video with more information. Click here.