RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Nonprofits and government agencies wishing to apply have until March 3 at 5 p.m. Applicants can submit a draft application for staff review by Jan. 25 to gain feedback on their grant proposals. A pdf of the draft …
Christmas Trees Arriving at Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
CHARLOTTE – Fresh-cut North Carolina Christmas trees will be arriving at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market Friday for shoppers eager to get a jump on their holiday decorating. To accommodate shoppers, the market will be open every Sunday, Nov. 27 to Dec. 18, from noon to 5 p.m. “Our state is renowned for its Christmas trees, ranking second in …
N.C. Forest Service Offers Discount on Tree Seedling Sales for Military Members Through November
RALEIGH– To show its appreciation for the service and sacrifice made by veterans and current military members, the North Carolina (N.C.) Forest Service is offering a 25% discount on tree seedling orders placed by active, honorably discharged or retired military personnel during November. The discount applies to the first $500 off all new orders, up to a $125 discount. “North …
Farmland Preservation Grants Available Through NCDA&CS
RALEIGH – County governments and nonprofit groups may now apply for funding assistance from the North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund for farmland preservation projects. Applicants have until Dec. 19 to apply. “The latest study from the American Farmland Trust projects North Carolina losing more than a million acres of agricultural land over the next 20 years,” …
Forest Service Agencies Urge North Carolinians to Use Caution
RALEIGH – With the impending arrival of fall wildfire season, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and North Carolina (N.C.) Forest Service are reminding the public to exercise caution when engaging in recreational burning. Peak months for the fall fire season extend from October through early December. Fires left unattended can get out of hand quickly, becoming wildfires that …
NCDA&CS Seeks Proposals from Researchers Exploring Bioenergy, New Crops for North Carolina
Applicants should apply for part of the $1 million in grant funding by Oct. 28 RALEIGH – The North Carolina Bioenergy Research Initiative and the New and Emerging Crops Program are seeking 2022 grant proposals that support each program’s mission. “In the years since these programs began offering grants, we’ve seen some promising developments from the research …
NCDA&CS Offers Organic Certification Cost-Share Assistance
RALEIGH (N.C.) – Organic growers in North Carolina (N.C.) can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of becoming certified or for recertification through a program offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Growers who are certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022, can apply for assistance through the program. “Applicants can be …
N.C. Counties Eligible for Crop Loss Program Following Tropical Storm Fred, April ’21 freeze
RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced that farmers in 11 additional counties are eligible for the Western North Carolina (N.C.) Agricultural Crop Loss Program for damages and losses due to flooding and excessive rain from Tropical Storm Fred and an April 2021 freeze and frost. The deadline to apply is Aug. 31. A total of $10 million is available. …
NCDA&CS Finds Spotted Lanternfly in Forsyth County
RALEIGH – The North Carolina (N.C.) Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirmed the first established presence of the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in the state. Initial surveys indicate the known distribution of the pest is within a 5-mile radius in Forsyth County near Interstate 40 in Kernersville, extending to the Guilford County line. Survey efforts are ongoing. “We have …
North Carolina Strawberry Season Underway
The arrival of spring means locally-grown strawberries are ready to be picked in North Carolina (N.C.). Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler discusses what consumers can expect from this year’s crop. “Growers have done a good job protecting the crop from recent cool temperatures and because of their hard work, this year’s strawberry crop looks to be plentiful,” said Troxler. Strawberry season …