RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler today named Peter Thornton of Cary as the new director of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Marketing Division. Thornton replaces Joe Sanderson, who retired in March after 34 years with the department.
With the arrival of spring and warmer weather, strawberry farms are opening for shoppers and, undoubtedly, strawberry lovers are ready for local berries.
“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 Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “In fact, some fields are opening up for pick-your-own guests this weekend.”
RALEIGH – Visitors can shop to their heart’s delight as the annual Fall Craft Fair returns to the State Farmers Market Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This popular and free event features over 100 vendors offering local products and handmade items for sale just in time for the holidays.
Residents and visitors looking for farms that offer outdoor experiences and local food will have plenty of options this spring as farms across the state open their gates to welcome guests.
There are a variety of activities to choose from including workshops, Easter egg hunts, strawberry and flower picking, Mother’s Day events, farm stands and farmers markets. Following is a selection of experiences offered at North Carolina farms through Memorial Day.
Visitors can shop to their heart’s delight as the annual Spring Craft Fair returns to the State Farmers Market Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This popular and free event features 90 vendors offering local products and handmade items for sale.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will host its annual Flavors of Carolina food show, featuring more than 130 N.C. food and beverage companies. The private event is a chance for food businesses to sample their products and network with buyers from grocery stores, foodservice distributors, and independent restaurants.
Media are welcome to attend the event. Please contact Caitlyn Randall to RSVP to attend.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler today announced a new partnership for the Got to Be NC Agriculture program with singer-songwriter Paige King Johnson. The Harnett County native who is pursuing a country music singer/songwriter career in Nashville, Tenn., will be the musical voice of the Got to Be NC agriculture marketing program.
The N.C. 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 4 at noon.
Applicants can submit a draft application for staff review by Jan. 26 to gain feedback on their grant proposals. A pdf of the draft application should be sent to jenni.keith@ncagr.gov.
The N.C. Specialty Foods Association recently announced winners of its 2021 product competition during the final virtual Summer of Success event.There was a total of 147 entries in this year’s competition across nine categories. Anna’s Gourmet Goodies of Wake Forest was named Grand Champion for its BIG Chocolate Brownie.The complete list of winners by category includes:
Baked Goods:
Winner:Anna’s Gourmet Goodies of Wake Forest, BIG Chocolate Brownie
Organic growers in North Carolina 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, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021, can apply for assistance through the program.