RALEIGH — Farmers markets across North Carolina will join markets nationwide in celebrating National Farmers Market Week, Aug. 3-9, spotlighting the vital role farmers markets play in supporting local agriculture, boosting rural economies, strengthening communities and expanding access to fresh, healthy food.
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“We are certainly tickled to be selected as a regional hub,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We have a long-standing partnership with USDA with National Agricultural Statistics Service offices housed in our building for many years, and we look forward to continuing to build on this partnership. We will work with them on whatever they need.
COLFAX – You can find homegrown happiness in a slice of N.C. watermelon. To celebrate this favorite summertime fruit, the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market will host Watermelon Day, Thursday, July 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Market visitors will have the opportunity to sample different watermelon varieties, meet the N.C. Watermelon Queen Elizabeth Steinlage and have the chance to talk to the farmers who work tirelessly to produce N.C. watermelons.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Plant Industry Division is encouraging farmers statewide to inspect their fields for the presence of tropical spiderwort (Commelina benghalensis).
RALEIGH – If you have ever dreamed of winning a ribbon at the N.C. State Fair now is the time to figure out what you want to enter and sign up! The State Fair is now accepting entries for the 2025 fair, Oct. 16-26. If winning a ribbon at the fair is on your bucket list, now is the time to enter this year’s fair competitions. The State Fair offers many competition categories such as arts and photography, culinary, livestock, fruit and vegetable production, hobbies and handicrafts, flowers, LEGOS and more.
RALEIGH – The State Farmers Market in Raleigh is firing up the grill for a North Carolina favorite in honor of National Hot Dog Day, Wednesday, July 16, with free Bright Leaf hot dog samples from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the farmers area.
FLETCHER – Come join the North Carolina Mountain State Fair team and be part of one of Western North Carolina’s premier fall events. The fair is looking to fill a number of temporary jobs, including ticket takers, ticket sellers, law enforcement/security and workers for the entry department and information booths. Pay ranges from $15-$16 an hour for ticket takers and general employees, to up to $50 an hour for sworn officers.
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is hosting a series of job fairs across eastern North Carolina to hire seasonal workers to grade peanuts during the upcoming harvest season. These job fairs are an opportunity for individuals seeking short-term employment to play a critical role in the state’s agricultural sector.
RALEIGH – Eleven stores in eight counties were fined by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Standards Division for price scanning errors during the second quarter of 2025.