Due to increased fire risk, the North Carolina (N.C.) Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits for Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain and Transylvania counties effective 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 5, until further notice. “Several counties in Western North Carolina are currently in …
North Carolina Receives $6.3 million USDA Award for Conservation Easements in the Neuse River Basin
RALEIGH – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service awarded the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services $6.3 million to place conservation easements on farms in the Upper Neuse River Basin. This project was funded through USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). “Securing more funding for conservation easements is a critical step in preserving our …
Applications Open for N.C. State Fair Farm Family of the Day Program
RALEIGH – The N.C. State Fair is looking for 11 farm families to recognize during the fair for its Farm Family of the Day, presented by Tractor Supply Company. Nominations are being accepted through Sept. 15. If you are proud to be an N.C. farmer, work hard to contribute to the state’s No. 1 industry and love both farming and …
NCDA&CS Accepting Applications for 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
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 …
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 …
Assistance Available for Farmers who Suffered Losses Due to Tropical Storm Fred
RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) has opened the application period for the Agricultural Crop Loss Program for farmers that suffered losses due to Tropical Storm Fred. The program will cover losses of crops, feed, livestock, aquaculture and farm infrastructure for farmers in Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, Mitchell, McDowell, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga and …
NCDA&CS Accepting Applications for the 2022 Specialty Crops Block Grant Program
Attention those in North Carolina (N.C.) with an interest in specialty crops. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Nonprofits and government agencies have until March 4 at noon to apply. Applicants can submit a draft application for staff review by Wednesday, Jan. 26 to receive feedback on …