WHO/WHAT:The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will host its annual Flavors of Carolina food show, featuring more than 130 N.C. food and beverage companies. The private event is a chance for food businesses to sample their products and network with buyers from grocery stores, foodservice distributors, and independent restaurants. Media are welcome to attend the event. Please contact Caitlyn Randall to RSVP to attend.
Press Releases
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.
WHO/WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The State Farmers Market in Raleigh is hosting a free performance by Got to Be NC Ag Star finalist and country singer Hunter Grant on Thursday from noon until 2 p.m. in the farmer’s shed.Grant, of Mount Olive, is one of 15 finalists who will compete March 4 in the Ag Star Finale at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The talent search competition is a collaboration between the Got to Be NC program and Got to Be NC’s first musical ambassador Paige King Johnson.
The North Carolina Spiritous Liquor Advisory Council will hold its first meeting Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. in the Hall of Fame Room of the Agriculture Building, 2 W. Edenton St., Raleigh.The meeting will include a brief introduction of council members and a review of the legislation creating the council.Other items for discussion include:
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will open the application period for Phase II of the state’s Swine and Dairy Assistance COVID program beginning Feb. 23.
North Carolina cotton growers will vote March 31 on whether to continue a checkoff program that supports their industry.The referendum would authorize an assessment of up to $1.20 per bale of cotton, however, the North Carolina Cotton Producers Association Board of Directors plans to continue the assessment at the current rate of $1 per bale. If approved the assessment would be in effect for another six years.The checkoff program supports improvements in cotton production, marketing and research, and also promotes the general interests of North Carolina’s cotton industry.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler has recently promoted Evan Davis of Wake Forest to serve as director of the Farmland Preservation Division and Jon Lanier of Raleigh to serve as General Counsel.
The N.C. Pesticide Board recently approved the following settlement agreements for cases in Cabarrus, Currituck, Iredell, Lenoir, Pasquotank, Pitt and Union counties. Settlements involved cases of pesticide drift and improper selling and application of pesticides. Settlements are listed by county below:
Planning is underway for the 2022 Got to Be NC Festival and organizers are looking for the best of North Carolina to participate. Outdoor food and retail product vendors and farm-equipment hobbyists can apply at ncstatefair.org. The Got to Be NC Festival will be held at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, May 20-22.The annual event features food, wine and beer from across North Carolina, farm animals, music, rides and games, and one of the largest displays of antique tractors and farm equipment in the Southeast.