Press Releases

Seven projects aimed at boosting crop production and farm income in the state are receiving half a million dollars in grants from the New and Emerging Crops Program. “These projects represent an investment in the future of North Carolina agriculture, as these projects seek to develop new opportunities for farmers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This research will help farmers explore the viability of certain crops in the state, with the goal of boosting the overall ag economy.” 

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 in your publications or contact us if you have any additional questions.

The board of the Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation of North Carolina has set the 2023 boll weevil assessment at 75 cents per acre of cotton, marking the sixth year at this rate.  The fee supports the foundation’s efforts to monitor cotton acreage in North Carolina for any re-introduction of the boll weevil and to respond promptly with eradication treatments if necessary. 

WHO/WHAT:  The North Carolina Sentinel Landscape Committee will hold a meeting to hear committee member reports pertaining to Sentinel Landscape activities and reports on other Sentinel Landscape programs.WHEN:  Tuesday, Feb. 14

A total of 19 horses in nine counties have tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). At this time, 17 horses have been euthanized to help prevent further spread. The counties include Duplin, Forsyth, Henderson, Mecklenburg, Randolph, Sampson, Surry, Yadkin and Wake. The majority of EIA positive cases have been associated with unsanctioned horse racing.

 Pictured, left to right, Jeremy Flowers, operated of Flowers Timber Company; Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler; Arnold Flowers, who started the Flowers Timber Company; and Michelle Wang, NCDA&CS International Marketing Specialist.

WHO/WHAT:The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund will hold an advisory committee meeting to:

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Standards Division has collected fines from 52 stores in 33 counties because of excessive price-scanner errors.         

 Joseph Hudyncia of Apex is the new Section Chief of Field Services for the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Agronomic Services Division. 

Rowan County has an emu that tested positive for High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI). The positive sample was identified by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Raleigh.This is the first confirmed positive in Rowan County. In late spring and early summer, HPAI was found at nine poultry farms in Johnston and Wayne counties, and recently HPAI was found in a single backyard flock in Wake County, a single backyard flock in Durham County, a single backyard flock in Carteret County and two flocks in Union County.