Group tours of three of the most widely used N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Agronomic Services labs have resumed. Groups can book a tour for the nematode assay; plant, waste solution and media; and soil testing labs Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Growers and homeowners throughout the state use these labs for soil and growing recommendations. In fiscal year 2022, these labs analyzed 379,039 samples and issued 52,414 reports. Tours had been discontinued due to COVID and concerns for the safety and health of workers and the public.
Press Releases
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Nonprofits and government agencies wishing to apply have until March 3 at 5 p.m.Applicants can submit a draft application for staff review by Jan. 25 to gain feedback on their grant proposals. A pdf of the draft application should be sent to jenni.keith@ncagr.gov.
WHO/WHAT:The N.C. Plant Conservation Board will meet jointly with the Scientific Committee to discuss items related to land conservation, stewardship efforts of the N.C. Plant Conservation Program, and regulatory matters.WHEN:Wednesday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.WHERE:N.C.
The N.C. Pesticide Board recently approved the following settlement agreements for cases in Carteret, Davidson, Duplin, Guilford, Lenoir, Macon, Mecklenburg, Nash, Orange, Pender, Pitt, Rowan and Washington counties. Settlements are listed by county below:
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Standards Division has collected fines from 70 stores in 38 counties because of excessive price-scanner errors.
The State Farmers Market will host the Market Shoppes Open House Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with prizes, samples and holiday gift ideas for shoppers looking to finish their Christmas lists or getting ready for holiday meals. Market Shoppes vendors offer N.C. meats, seafood, cheeses, jams, jellies, baked goods, candy, gift baskets, coffee, fruits, vegetables, soaps, wine, outdoor furniture and more. The 680 WPTF Weekend Gardener Show will broadcast LIVE from 8 to 11 a.m., so tune in to listen to the holiday happenings at the State Farmers Market.
** Edited to reflect that upon further evaluation of the farm location the backyard flock is located in Onslow County instead of Carteret County. A backyard flock in Onslow County has tested positive for High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI). The positive sample was identified by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Raleigh.
WHO/WHAT: The North Carolina Sentinel Landscape Committee will hold a meeting to hear committee member reports pertaining to Sentinel Landscape activitiesand reports on other Sentinel Landscape programs.WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022
WHO/WHAT:The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund will hold an advisory committee meeting to:
Residents and visitors looking for farms that offer outdoor experiences and unique gift ideas this holiday season will have plenty of options with many winter agritourism activities planned at farms across the state. Light shows, holiday festivals, craft markets, and wine tasting are among the seasonal offerings.