Press Releases

RALEIGH –The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the marketplace. Nonprofits and government agencies wishing to apply have until March 10 at 5 p.m.

RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler recognized Integra Foods of Bladenboro as the 2025 Exporter of the Year today at the annual Ag Development Forum hosted by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The forum is held in conjunction with the Southern Farm Show.This award honors the company’s exceptional achievements in international trade, market expansion and contributions to North Carolina’s agricultural exports.

WHO/WHAT: The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund will hold an advisory committee meeting to:

WHO/WHAT:       The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is hosting its 20th annual Agricultural Development Forum in conjunction with the Southern Farm Show. The forum will include a 2025 economic and policy outlook and a panel discussion on Hurricane Helene disaster recovery.

CLAYTON – Clemmons Educational State Forest (ESF) located in Clayton is planning to conduct multiple prescribed burns throughout February and into early March. The purpose for these prescribed burns is to reduce current fuel loads on the forest while improving forest health, promoting new growth and benefiting wildlife habitat.

RALEIGH -- Many North Carolinians utilize their wood-burning stoves and fireplaces throughout the winter. The N.C. Forest Service is reminding stove users to never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area. If you do, you’re risking not only your home, but your neighbor’s as well.Multiple wildfires spanning several Western North Carolina counties have ignited due to improper discarding of hot ashes from wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Despite recent winter weather, low humidity and dry fuels can cause wildfires to spread quickly, threatening lives and property.

RALEIGH – Now is the time for North Carolinians to act on wildfire mitigation practices and Firewise principles. By taking appropriate action, residents can help protect their homes and communities from wildfires by creating a defensible space while reducing risk.

Youth who exhibited livestock at the N.C. State Fair are eligible to apply for N.C. State Fair Junior Livestock Scholarships. The application period is open through March 1.Up to 25 $2,000 scholarships are available, in addition to one $2,500 Farm Credit of N.C. Premier Scholarship.

RALEIGH – A commercial turkey operation in Sampson 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 and confirmed by the USDA APHIS National Veterinary Services Lab in Ames, Iowa. 

WHO/WHAT:            Hosted by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and its Got to Be NC program, the annual Flavors of Carolina food show is moving to the Triad in 2025, connecting more than 100 local food and beverage producers with more than 800 buyers from the retail, wholesale and foodservice industries. This private event is a chance for food businesses to sample their products and facilitate product sales to regional, governmental, national and international buyers.