Press Releases

RALEIGH – Every year the N.C. State Fair offers a variety of competitions for North Carolina cooks that promotes both local commodities and other agricultural products. One of the most popular competitions each year are the family-friendly but very competitive cooking challenges.

WHO/WHAT: The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund will hold an advisory committee meeting to:

RALEIGH – Visit NC Farms, the statewide initiative connecting North Carolina residents and travelers with agritourism operations, has partnered with Megan Nichols, founder of NC Eat & Play, a local content creator, to drive awareness and increase visitation for agritourism operations across the state with a social media, newsletter and blog campaign running through next year.

RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services launched a new video series to assist agritourism businesses across the state in growing their operations and delivering more memorable experiences for their guests.

RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler released the following statement regarding Gov. Josh Stein’s issuance of Executive Order No. 20 in preparation for Hurricane Erin and anticipated significant impacts. “North Carolina’s farm community is no stranger to dealing with hurricanes and know what needs to be done ahead of the storm to help limit damage. The waiving of some motor vehicle regulations related to agriculture is a big help to farmers readying their farms for bad weather. 

The 2025 N.C. State Fair will pay special tribute to all active and retired military on Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

RALEIGH – This year’s annual State Farmers Market Largest Watermelon Contest had a special meaning as it was held in memory of longtime watermelon contest competitor Donald Murphy, who passed away earlier this year. Known for his knowledge and expertise in growing a large watermelon each year, Murphy was a familiar face at the contest and on Watermelon Day.

RALEIGH -- The North Carolina Wine & Grape Council recently awarded more than 275 medals as it celebrated 20 years of exceptional winemaking and judging at the North Carolina Wine Competition.

There is still time to enter your submissions for this year’s N.C. Mountain State Fair exhibitions, and the free Pony Express program makes the process simple and convenient for residents in Western North Carolina.

There is no time like fair time and now is the time to save money and get a jump on planning your trip to the 2025 N.C. State Fair, happening Oct. 16-26 in Raleigh. Discount advance tickets can be purchased online now through Oct. 16. Tickets can also be purchased daily at the Dorton Arena kiosk and walk-up tickets will be available from Oct. 3 through 16 at Gate 9 at the fairgrounds.