Press Releases

The N.C. State Fair is known for its tasty treats and promotion of local commodities and other national products. One of its featured events highlights those specialties in the form of fun, family-friendly cooking challenges.
WHO/WHAT:           Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler hosting top Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture leaders, plus other national and state leaders to discuss the emergence of H5N1 in dairy cattle and federal and state response efforts. Discussion participants include:
RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced today that nine research projects that focus on helping specialty crop growers manage disease and adverse weather conditions, and that look at new plant varieties that could grow better in the state were awarded over $1.16 million in specialty crop block grant funding.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will host top Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture leaders, plus other national and state leaders to discuss the emergence of H5N1 in dairy cattle and the federal and state response. A panel discussion will also cover the preparation of the industry to respond to animal disease outbreaks.The Conversations with the Commissioner: Emerging Issues in Agriculture forum will be held Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Kerr Scott Building at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.
The North Carolina Pesticide Disposal Assistance Program recently marked a significant milestone, collecting more than five million pounds of banned, outdated or unwanted pesticides in the state since the program began in 1980.This milestone is a highlight in the 44-year effort of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which aims to keep the unwanted or banned pesticides from being accidentally released or disposed of in landfills or other improper manners.
BOONE – Nine North Carolina dairies took honors for fluid milk and cheeses in state and regional dairy competitions held recently by the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Got to Be NC program.
RALEIGH – Giant watermelons, watermelon royalty and free slices of the summertime fruit – what’s not to love about Watermelon Day Friday, Aug. 23, at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh?              
RALEIGH – 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, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024, can apply for assistance through the program. 
RALEIGH – Ford’s Gourmet Foods, the master distributor for North Carolina-produced brands including Wine Nuts, Fire Dancer Jalapeno Peanuts, Earth Family Organics and Naturals and acclaimed Bone Suckin’ Sauces, was recently awarded the 2024 North American Agricultural Marketing Officials (NAAMO) Marketer of the Year Award.