The N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative and the New and Emerging Crops Program are seeking 2021 grant proposals that support each program’s mission.
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 or contact us if you have any additional questions.
The N.C. Specialty Foods Association recently announced winners of its 2021 product competition during the final virtual Summer of Success event.There was a total of 147 entries in this year’s competition across nine categories. Anna’s Gourmet Goodies of Wake Forest was named Grand Champion for its BIG Chocolate Brownie.The complete list of winners by category includes:Baked Goods:Winner:Anna’s Gourmet Goodies of Wake Forest, BIG Chocolate Brownie
Fairgoers at the 2021 N.C. State Fair will find some of their favorite exhibits in new locationsthis year with the move of the Got to Be NC Pavilion into Dorton Arena, the NC Public House into the South Side of Dorton Arena and the Folk Festival near the Old Church by the Village of Yesteryear.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has extended its deadline to Dec. 31 to apply for a $79.6 million USDA grant for poultry, livestock and plasticulture producers and woodland owners in 90 counties who suffered losses in 2018-2019 from Hurricanes Florence, Michael and Dorian.This program will offer direct payments to eligible poultry/livestock and plasticulture producers. Assistance will only involve losses associated with these hurricanes that were not covered under other USDA disaster programs.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler today named William “Bill” Foote of Cary as the new director of the Plant Industry Division in the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Foote replaces Phil Wilson, who is retiring at the end of September after 37 years with the department.
WHO/WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund will hold an advisory committee meeting to review the trust fund budget and hear reports on easement closings, cycle XV RFP updates and other trust fund activity.
2021 N.C. Mountain State Fair inductees with Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler (L-R Randy and Debbie Trantham, Commissioner Troxler, Wanda and James Dobbins)
The 27th N.C. Mountain State Fair returns Friday with gates opening at 9 a.m. and the official ribbon cutting ceremony at noon on Heritage Stage.“We’re so glad to be back this year with fun for the whole family” said fair manager Matt Buchanan. “In addition to many returning fair favorites including livestock shows, music, arts and crafts, carnival rides and deep-fried treats, we are going to start off with a special Friday night promotion for anyone who enjoys the rides.”Opening weekend activities include:Promotions
Fairgoers will have the opportunity to give back this year when they purchase their fairtickets online. The N.C. State Fair Cares program offers online ticket buyers the option to add adonation to the Food Band of Central & Eastern North Carolina directly to their ticket purchase at check out. The program will be kicked off by a $15,000 donation from House-Autry Mills.