Press Releases

WHO/WHAT:The N.C. Plant Conservation Board will meet to discuss items related to land conservation, stewardship efforts of the N.C. Plant Conservation Program and regulatory matters. WHEN:Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.WHERE:Steve Troxler Agricultural Science Center4400 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, NCOr attendees can join virtually using the following:Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

The weather is warming up and gardening and lawn activities will soon be in full swing, which may include taking soil samples to be tested for agronomic recommendations for many growers and homeowners.             

Below is a summary of local interest stories that have recently been highlighted on the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ In the Field Blog. Please feel free to use any of this content or photos in your publications or contact us if you have any additional questions.

Three members of the University of North Carolina women’s basketball team will promote the benefits of chocolate milk as a sports recovery drink and support the farmers who make up the state’s dairy industry through a unique NIL partnership announced by the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and The Brandr Group. This marks one of the first NIL agreements involving a state agency in North Carolina. 

RALEIGH – Applications are now being accepted for the N.C. Agriculture Manufacturing and Processing Initiative, which has been created to fund and promote the establishment of value-added agricultural manufacturing and food processing facilities in North Carolina.

RALEIGH – Thirteen agricultural research projects are receiving a total of $1 million in grants from the N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative and the New and Emerging Crops Program – programs of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The projects aim to boost bioenergy opportunities and crop production in the state.

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Century Farm Program is looking for farms that have been in continuous family ownership for 100 years or more to join the more than 2,000 farms in the program. The program exists to honor farms for their longstanding contributions to North Carolina’s rich agricultural heritage. Every four years, the N.C. State Fair hosts a reunion to recognize Century Farm families. This year’s reunion will be held on Monday, Oct. 21.

RALEIGH – The Animal Welfare Section of the Veterinary Division of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recently awarded nine community shelters grants as part of the Animal Shelter Support Fund program. These funds will be used to help shelters improve their facilities to better comply with the Animal Welfare Act.

RALEIGH – March will officially cue the start of spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and the N.C. Forest Service is urging residents to use caution with all outdoor fires, especially yard debris burns.The N.C. Forest Service responded to more than 5,300 wildfires across North Carolina in 2023, with escaped debris burns as the leading cause. 

MEDIA ADVISORYEDITORS’ NOTE: Media are welcome to attend this sold-out national raspberry and blackberry industry conference. For press passes and updates about the 2024 NARBA annual conference, please contact Darcy Kochis at info@raspberryblackberry.com.