Below is a summary of local interest stories that have recently been highlighted on the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ In the Field Blog. Please feel free to use any of this content or contact us if you have any additional questions.
Topics Related to Public Affairs
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has extended its deadline to Dec. 31 to apply for a $79.6 million USDA grant for poultry, livestock and plasticulture producers and woodland owners in 90 counties who suffered losses in 2018-2019 from Hurricanes Florence, Michael and Dorian.
This program will offer direct payments to eligible poultry/livestock and plasticulture producers. Assistance will only involve losses associated with these hurricanes that were not covered under other USDA disaster programs.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will activate its hotline beginning Saturday, Aug. 21, to connect farmers with resources that can assist with damage and other agricultural emergencies related to the storm. The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. A live operator will be available on the hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler released the following statement after touring storm damage today in Western N.C. and meeting with farmers who suffered crop and infrastructure damage and losses.
WHO/WHAT:The N.C. Industrial Hemp Commission will hold a public meeting to review and approve program applications.
WHEN/WHERE:
WHEN/WHERE:
Wednesday, Aug. 18
2 p.m.
For the first time in almost four decades, African swine fever has been detected in the Americas. This is a concerning development, but one for which the commercial pork industry is well prepared. Biosecurity has long been a major focus of commercial hog production and biosecurity procedures have remained high since African swine fever was first detected in China in 2019.
WHO/WHAT:
The N.C. Industrial Hemp Commission will hold a public meeting for an update on the future direction of the N.C. hemp program.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler recently promoted Dr. Michael P. Martin to serve as State Veterinarian. Martin previously served as Poultry Section Head for the Veterinary Division since 2012. In that role he had oversight of all poultry programs operations within the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Martin replaces Dr. Doug Meckes, who retires at the end of this month.
WHO/WHAT:The N.C. Industrial Hemp Commission will hold a public meeting for an update on the future direction of the N.C. hemp program.WHEN/WHERE:Thursday, Aug. 5
2 p.m.
2 p.m.
Below is a summary of local interest stories that have recently been highlighted on the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ In the Field Blog and social media sites. Please feel free to use any of this content in your publications or contact us if you would like additional information.