N.C. farm families encouraged to apply for Century Farm program

Eligible N.C. farmers interested in joining the Century Farm Family program are encouraged to apply for membership soon if they want to be included in the printed 2012 Century Farm Directory. The deadline for inclusion is Aug. 1.

All members of the program will be invited to the Century Farm Family reunion at the N.C. State Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 17. The event will begin at 11 a.m. in Dorton Arena. Attendees will receive a copy of the 2012 directory.

The reunion, held every four years, honors the heritage of farms that have been owned by the same family continuously for at least 100 years. There are more than 1,600 Century Farms in North Carolina. All counties have a Century Farm except Dare and Swain.

"The family farm is the backbone of North Carolina agriculture," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "I want to encourage every eligible farm owner to recognize their family's history by registering as a Century Farm Family and by joining us at the State Fair for a reunion to remember."

A farm is eligible for membership if all or part of it has been owned continuously for at least 100 years by a blood relative of the original owner, or a legally adopted child of a descendant. Continuous residence in North Carolina by that relative or descendant is not required.

Proof of ownership for 100 years or more by the same family is required. This proof can be an abstract of a title, an original deed or land patents. Other authentic land records may be acceptable in some cases.

For more information and to fill out an application, visit the Century Farms website at www.ncagr.com/paffairs/century, write to 1001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1001, or call the NCDA&CS Public Affairs Division at 919-707-3001.