Press Releases
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.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler today named William “Bill” Foote of Cary as the new director of the Plant Industry Division in the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Foote replaces Phil Wilson, who is retiring at the end of September after 37 years with the department.
WHO/WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund will hold an advisory committee meeting to review the trust fund budget and hear reports on easement closings, cycle XV RFP updates and other trust fund activity.
2021 N.C. Mountain State Fair inductees with Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler (L-R Randy and Debbie Trantham, Commissioner Troxler, Wanda and James Dobbins)
The 27th N.C. Mountain State Fair returns Friday with gates opening at 9 a.m. and the official ribbon cutting ceremony at noon on Heritage Stage.“We’re so glad to be back this year with fun for the whole family” said fair manager Matt Buchanan. “In addition to many returning fair favorites including livestock shows, music, arts and crafts, carnival rides and deep-fried treats, we are going to start off with a special Friday night promotion for anyone who enjoys the rides.”Opening weekend activities include:Promotions
Fairgoers will have the opportunity to give back this year when they purchase their fair tickets online. The N.C. State Fair Cares program offers online ticket buyers the option to add a donation to the Food Band of Central & Eastern North Carolina directly to their ticket purchase at check out. The program will be kicked off by a $15,000 donation from House-Autry Mills.
WHAT:Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson, N.C. Mountain State Fair officials and others will communicate safety procedures for grounds safety, traffic control, animal exhibits, carnival rides and more. WHEN/WHERE: Thursday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. Upper chairlift landing pad, WNC Agricultural Center1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher
WHO/WHAT: The North Carolina Sentinel Landscape Committee will hold a virtual meeting to hear committee member reports pertaining to Sentinel Landscape activities and reports on other Sentinel Landscape programs. WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has announced the following 2021-22 Got to Be NC Team of Culinary Ambassadors, representing restaurants across the state.
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.