Press Releases

RALEIGH – Roy Anthony Potter, 61, of Kelly, pleaded guilty to eight felony counts of intentionally setting fire to grass, brushlands and woodlands with the intent to damage property of another in Bladen and Columbus counties.

The N.C. Pesticide Board recently approved the following settlement agreements in Beaufort, Durham, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Lenoir, New Hanover, Wake and Wayne counties. Settlements involved instances of improper handling or application of pesticides and applying pesticides without the proper license or certification.Settlements are listed by county below:

Effective at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, the N.C. Forest Service has lifted a ban on all open burning outside of the 100-foot area around an occupied dwelling for the following counties in North Carolina: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey. Burn bans were issued for these counties due to hazardous forest fire conditions in the area.

RALEIGH – The N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund recently awarded over $15 million to protect working farms and forests, support county farmland preservation efforts and promote agricultural enterprises.     More than $12.8 million went towards securing 46 agricultural conservation easements on 5,000 acres of land across the state. These family farms will be permanently protected from development, becoming North Carolina Forever Farms. 

SENT ON BEHALF OF THE N.C. TOBACCO TRUST FUNDFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASETHURSDAY, NOV. 16, 2023The N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (N.C. TTFC) awarded more than $6.1 million through 30 grants for agricultural and economic initiatives across the state. These grants place a high priority on projects that stimulate the agricultural economy, train current and future farmers and help farmers execute innovative ideas.

RALEIGH – The N.C. Forest Service is offering a 20% discount on tree seedling orders placed by active, honorably discharged or retired military personnel during the month of November. Beginning Nov. 13, the discount applies to the first $500 of all new orders, up to a $100 discount. 

RALEIGH — Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler today announced the promotion of Dr. Marcus Helfrich to director of the Standards Division. Helfrich previously served as program manager of the fuel quality laboratory. He replaces Steve Benjamin, who is retiring. The promotion is effective Nov. 1. 

RALEIGH – Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits for Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Catawba, Haywood, Iredell, Lincoln, Madison, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties effective 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8, until further notice.                     

RALEIGH – Visitors can shop to their heart’s delight as the annual Fall Craft Fair returns to the State Farmers Market Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This popular and free event features over 100 vendors offering local products and handmade items for sale just in time for the holidays.

RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler today announced the promotion of Greg Hicks of Oxford to assistant commissioner overseeing operations of the North Carolina Forest Service.  Hicks previously served as assistant state forester.  He will replace current assistant commissioner Scott Bissette who is retiring. The promotion is effective Nov. 1.