Gypsy moth treatments are slated to begin June 4 and continue through June 20 in seven counties. Last week I mentioned that what I call “regular work” is continuing at the department even as we continue to deal with the…

The Agricultural Science Center is expected to be less than six months away from completion. Commissioner Steve Troxler offers an update on where work on the project stands. While the department has been busy in its response to COVID-19 with…

Activity remains steady at farmers markets across the state as blueberry season gets underway. Activity at the state operated farmers markets has remained steady as we continue to navigate this COVID-19 pandemic. I am pleased to hear that visitors to…

NCDA&CS continues work to help growers who supplied restaurants and other institutions make connections with grocery stores. A few weeks ago, we talked about bulk chicken truckload sales happening across the state. Those are continuing, which has been good for…

On the heels of Earth Day celebrations, the NCDA&CS Pesticide Disposal Assistance Program has collected more than 4 million pounds of unused and unwanted pesticides. The program ensures these products are disposed of in a responsible and appropriate way. Commissioner…

Staff with the department’s Marketing Division have been helping connect consumers with farm fresh products through a variety of ways. While COVID-19 has created some disruptions in the food supply chain, food processors, farmers and restaurants are getting creative in…

The department’s Food Distribution trucks have been especially busy, moving emergency assistance food to food banks, soup kitchens and other sites that are helping to feed those who cannot get out or should not get out because of compromised immune…

We are beginning to get into the busier time at our farmers markets, which is creating challenges for social distancing. NC Ag Commissioner Steve Troxler is asking the public to help keep these markets open by everyone doing their part…

Two weeks ago we were talking above COVID-19 and what NCDA&CS was doing in anticipation and preparation. What a difference two weeks has made. There have been almost daily changes and updates and we have been busy working to keep…

There is some interesting research work going on in the state on purple carrots that may lead to a potential market for farmers down the road. Some of the research efforts are looking at the carrots as a potential natural…