Presentations will focus on regulatory issues of animal processing in North Carolina; conducting a baseline assessment for local foods and economic development potential in North Carolina; and potential “whole farm” Good Agricultural Practices certifications and institutional markets.

The General Assembly adopted legislation creating the council last year. Its diverse membership includes Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler as chairman, State Health Director Jeff Engel and Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco, plus farmers, educators, food industry executives, community activists and local-food advocates. Members were appointed by Troxler, Gov. Beverly Perdue, Senate leader Marc Basnight and House Speaker Joe Hackney.

For more information, go to www.ncagr.gov/localfood.