The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agricultural Crop Loss Program has been expanded to include farmers in six western counties that suffered freeze or frost damage to their agricultural commodities from April 2 to April 21, 2021.To be eligible for assistance under the program expansion, a person must have experienced a verifiable loss of agricultural commodities as a result of this freeze disaster and the person’s farm must be located in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford and Transylvania counties.
Press Releases
The N.C. Tomato Growers Association is offering a $1,000 merit/need-based scholarship for the 2022-2023 academic year. Any North Carolina resident who pursues a horticulture or agribusiness undergraduate or graduate degree at a four-year North Carolina college or university is eligible to apply. The deadline for submitting an application is May 31.
State Veterinarian Dr. Mike Martin has extended his strong recommendation to poultry owners to continue strict biosecurity measures due to the threat of High Path Avian Influenza. These recommendations include keeping birds enclosed/indoors if possible.The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, along with the United States Department of Agriculture and the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission has been tracking the highly pathogenic Eurasian H5 avian influenza first identified in January in wild waterfowl in our state.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day, and its importance is just as relevant now as when it was first recognized.Established in 1872 as a tree-planting holiday, Arbor Day was first observed in Nebraska and was celebrated by the planting of more than a million trees. Arbor Day quickly grew into a national holiday before transitioning to a day recognized by many countries across the globe.
Residents and visitors looking for farms that offer outdoor experiences and local food will have plenty of options this spring as farms across the state open their gates to welcome guests.There are a variety of activities to choose from including workshops, Easter egg hunts, strawberry and flower picking, Mother’s Day events, farm stands and farmers markets. Following is a selection of experiences offered at North Carolina farms through Memorial Day.
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: Thursday, March 10, 2022 2:30 p.m. WHERE: Hall of Fame Room, Agriculture Building
Visitors can shop to their heart’s delight as the annual Spring Craft Fair returns to the State Farmers Market Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This popular and free event features 90 vendors offering local products and handmade items for sale.
Spring is a busy time on the farm with growers preparing equipment, working on lime and fertilizer applications, and making cropping decisions even as commodity prices are fluctuating daily. Fertilizer prices, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are through the roof this year, unprecedented since around 2008. Lime costs have also increased. Transportation and global supply chain concerns are all factors. How can farmers best manage high-cost nutrient inputs and maximize profitability this year?
With spring fire season upon us, the N.C. Forest Service is asking residents to prioritize safety and practice caution when burning debris. Escaped fires from burning debris continue to be the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina. Peak months for the spring fire season run from March through May and fires left unattended can get out of hand quickly and become wildfires.
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.