Press Releases

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 – 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.
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.
WHO/WHAT: The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund will hold an advisory committee meeting to:
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.
RALEIGH -- Many North Carolinians utilize their wood-burning stoves and fireplaces throughout the winter. The N.C. Forest Service is reminding stove users to never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area. If you do, you’re risking not only your home, but your neighbor’s as well.Multiple wildfires spanning several Western North Carolina counties have ignited due to improper discarding of hot ashes from wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Despite recent winter weather, low humidity and dry fuels can cause wildfires to spread quickly, threatening lives and property.
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.