Press Releases

MARION – The N.C. Forest Service is planning to conduct a 63-acre prescribed burn on Lake James’s Big Island in McDowell County Wednesday, Feb. 26, as weather and conditions permit. This prescribed burn will eliminate the buildup of hazardous fuels, reducing the risk of a catastrophic wildfire. The burn will also improve wildlife habitat and aesthetic beauty around the island.
SPARTA – N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) Assistant Alleghany County Ranger Russell Choate has been named recipient of the 2024 Moreland Gueth Water Quality Award. This award is presented annually to the N.C. Forest Service employee or team of employees who demonstrate creativity and dedication toward the protection of North Carolina’s water resources.
WHO/WHAT: The North Carolina Sentinel Landscape Committee will hold a meeting to hear committee member reports and conduct other Sentinel Landscape business.   WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 1:30 p.m.WHERE: Hall of Fame Room, Agriculture Building -- 2 W. Edenton St., Raleigh. The public may also join in on the meeting via conference number 984-204-1487. The conference ID is 750 221 389, followed by the # key.  
RALEIGH -- Successful production of tobacco transplants starts with good water quality and with getting the right nutrient levels in the float solution. Growers preparing for transplant production should begin by having their source water tested by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  
RALEIGH – The N.C. Pesticide Board recently approved the following settlement agreements. Settlements involved cases of pesticide applications without a license and improper applications and sales of pesticides in Columbus, Onslow, Union and Wake counties.Settlements are listed by county below:
RALEIGH –The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the marketplace. Nonprofits and government agencies wishing to apply have until March 10 at 5 p.m.
RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler recognized Integra Foods of Bladenboro as the 2025 Exporter of the Year today at the annual Ag Development Forum hosted by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The forum is held in conjunction with the Southern Farm Show.This award honors the company’s exceptional achievements in international trade, market expansion and contributions to North Carolina’s agricultural exports.
WHO/WHAT:       The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is hosting its 20th annual Agricultural Development Forum in conjunction with the Southern Farm Show. The forum will include a 2025 economic and policy outlook and a panel discussion on Hurricane Helene disaster recovery.
WHO/WHAT: The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund will hold an advisory committee meeting to:
CLAYTON – Clemmons Educational State Forest (ESF) located in Clayton is planning to conduct multiple prescribed burns throughout February and into early March. The purpose for these prescribed burns is to reduce current fuel loads on the forest while improving forest health, promoting new growth and benefiting wildlife habitat.