Press Releases
WHO/WHAT:The N.C. Industrial Hemp Commission will hold a public meeting to review and approve research pilot program applications. WHEN/WHERE:Tuesday, March 162:30 p.m.
In North Carolina, March through May is historically recognized as spring wildfire season, a period when conditions are more favorable for wildfire. As residents begin working in their yards, the N.C. Forest Service urges them to think before burning yard debris.
Eastern:(Cumberland County) N.C. military veteran helps others follow him into farming
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler reminds growers that time is running out to apply for assistance through the USDA’s Quality Loss Adjustment Program. The deadline to apply is March 5.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler has announced the cancellation of the 2021 Got to Be NC Festival citing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “We are making progress in the state getting people vaccinated against this deadly virus, but we still have a ways to go in these efforts before a larger percentage of the population is vaccinated,” Troxler said. “We want people to be able to come out and safely enjoy all the fun activities offered at the Got to Be NC Festival, but it doesn’t make sense at this time to try to hold this annual event.
The board of the Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation of North Carolina has set the 2021 boll weevil assessment at 75 cents per acre of cotton. The amount remains the same as in 2020. 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.
Agricultural Commissioner Steve Troxler honored longtime N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services employee Bill Yarborough by naming the Dupont State Recreational Forest Little River Access Bridge in his honor. Yarborough recently retired after 35 years of service in Western North Carolina.
WHO/WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
WHO/WHAT:Commissioner Steve Troxler will deliver his annual update on the state of agriculture in North Carolina. Due to the pandemic, this year’s address will be virtual. In addition to hearing from Commissioner Troxler, Dr. Blake Brown, N.C. State University economist, will provide an agricultural economic outlook and there will be an opportunity for participants to ask questions.
NCDA&CS programs announce $1 million for research and development related to bioenergy and new crops
The N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative and the New and Emerging Crops Program recently awarded $1 million in grants for 14 projects aimed at boosting bioenergy opportunities and crop production in the state.The Bioenergy Research Initiative began in 2013, with the allocation of funds by the North Carolina General Assembly. The initiative’s grants of $500,000 support the development of energy production from North Carolina agricultural and forest-based products.