The N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) is launching a new Disaster Mitigation Program (DMP) to help reduce heightened wildfire risk in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. The DMP will provide wildfire risk reduction treatments at no cost to eligible private and public landowners in 39 federally declared disaster counties. Designed to address hazardous fuel buildup, fallen timber and reduced access, the DMP aims to lower the risk of catastrophic wildfire impacts to homes, infrastructure and natural resources.
Press Releases
RALEIGH – Thirty-three North Carolina students have been selected recipients of 2026 N.C. State Fair Youth Livestock Scholarships, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced. The scholarships are designed for high school seniors and students currently enrolled in an institute of higher education who have participated in the junior livestock or market turkey shows at the N.C. State Fair. The scholarship program has awarded $677,500 since it started in 2015.
CHARLOTTE – Fresh-picked flavor, sweet summer treats and family fun come together at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market for Blueberry Day on Sunday, May 31, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free blueberry samples, kid-friendly activities and a variety of blueberry-inspired desserts from market bakers while shopping for fresh, local products from North Carolina farmers and vendors.
RALEIGH – North Carolina farmers know how to build strong relationships at the farmers market, in the field and throughout their communities. Now, a new webinar from the Got to Be NC program will help agricultural producers take those connections online.The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in partnership with Tabletop Media Group, will host the webinar, “From Field to LinkedIn: How Farmers Can Build Professional Connections Online,” on Tuesday, June 2, at 5:30 p.m.
Thirteen budding student artists were recently chosen as winners in the annual Farm to School Calendar Contest, sponsored by the North Carolina Grange. Each month depicts the art of a student and represents a different commodity. The calendar also includes daily facts about agriculture, giving students an understanding of agriculture's role in food production.
RALEIGH – The application period for farmers and timber owners to apply for the $221 million USDA block grant for certain Hurricane Helene ag and timber losses will be extended to June 12 for all four loss categories. The previous deadline for three of the four categories was May 15. To learn more about applying, eligible farmers and landowners will find information and instructions at www.ncagr.gov/agdisaster.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, NCDA&CS Farmland Preservation staff and stakeholders from across the state gathered in Raleigh Wednesday to hig
WHO/WHAT: Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will address attendees and members of the media at 9:30 a.m. to kick off Farmland Preservation Advocacy Day.WHEN: Wednesday, May 13; 9 a.m. (Program begins at 9:30 a.m.)WHERE: Steve Troxler Agricultural Sciences Building - 4400 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh
WHO/WHAT: The Farmland Preservation Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will hold Farmland Preservation Advocacy Day in Raleigh to highlight the importance of farmland preservation in the state and the demand for increased funding. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, division staff and stakeholders will appeal to state representatives, advocating for increased funding and support for farmland preservation in North Carolina. Goals of the day include:
RALEIGH – Effective at 8 a.m. Friday, May 8, the N.C. Forest Service has lifted a ban on all open burning for Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes and Union counties.The ban, which went into effect statewide March 28 due to hazardous forest fire conditions, was lifted for 81 other counties May 3.