Press Releases

A turkey breeding operation in Wayne County has tested positive for High Path Avian Influenza. The positive sample was first identified by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Raleigh.  This is the first case of high path avian influenza in commercial poultry in North Carolina since January 2025. Prior to this case, North Carolina had 14 commercial flocks and 12 backyard flocks impacted by avian influenza.  The latest case in Wayne County impacts 9,500 turkeys. 

RALEIGH – The N.C. Board of Agriculture will hold a meeting Monday, Nov. 17, at 1:30 p.m. at the Steve Troxler Agricultural Sciences Center Training Room at 4400 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh.The board will take up the following items:

Beginning Nov. 10, the N.C. Forest Service is offering a 20% discount on tree seedling orders placed by active, honorably discharged or retired military personnel throughout November. The discount applies to the first $500 for all new orders, up to a $100 discount.“Many veterans and current military members serving to protect our freedoms are also woodland owners who work hard to help keep North Carolina forests healthy and thriving,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This discount is one way we can show our appreciation to those who have given so much.”

Clemmons Educational State Forest (ESF) located in Clayton has transitioned to its winter hours. With this transition, Clemmons ESF will be open weekly and winter hours will remain in effect through the end of February. The forest is closed on weekends. Clemmons ESF hours of operation are:Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.The forest is closed Saturday through Monday.The forest will also be closed during designated state holidays which include Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

After a monthlong break for the N.C. State Fair, the Raleigh Market will re-open Saturday, Nov. 8. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays except during October, when the annual State Fair is held.

RALEIGH -- Fall is a time of planting or preparation for the upcoming growing season. That means it is also a good time to submit soil samples to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for agronomic advice specific to what you are growing. 

TRYON – The wine industry in North Carolina celebrates a significant milestone as the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau approved the establishment of the state’s seventh American Viticulture Area (AVA).

Seven stores in six counties paid fines to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Standards Division for price scanning errors during the third quarter of 2025.“Even small errors can add up. As we head into the busy holiday shopping season, we’re reminding consumers to remember to check their receipts,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Our inspectors are continuing to inspect convenience stores, grocery stores and department stores across the state to protect consumers and ensure pricing accuracy.” 

RALEIGH – The N.C. State Fair Junior Livestock Sale of Champions raised $214,830 in bids for the top steers, barrows, lambs, goats and turkeys in the sale on Oct. 26.

RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (NCTTFC) has awarded more than $6.4 million in funding through 26 grants aimed at strengthening the state’s agricultural economy and supporting rural communities. The selected projects emphasize innovation, farmer education, infrastructure enhancement, and economic resilience in agriculture.