NC Commissioner Steve Troxler: Proteins to the People

Posted on Posted in Daily Ag Summary, Featured Stories, NC Ag Commissioner Steve Troxler, Top Ag Headlines

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 connecting people with food.

  • Mike, do you remember what COVID-19 episode are we on this week? I don’t expect it matters much.
  • Staff at the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are continuing to stay very busy as we work with the industry and consumers on sourcing fresh produce and proteins.
  • Some listeners may have heard about recent truckload sales of protein that are taking place here and in other states as well.
  • Our Marketing Division has been working with poultry companies to try to help them find sites that will work for these popular sales.
  • Last week House of Raeford had truckload sales two days at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh. Fresh boneless chicken breasts and thighs were packaged in 40-pound boxes for sale.
  • People drove up and the product was loaded into their cars. They never had to get out of their cars and there was minimal contact.
  • There were also sales in Rocky Mount, Selma, Kinston, Pink Hill, Salemburg, Williamston and other Eastern North Carolina locations.
  • Companies are working to hold additional sales, including some in Western North Carolina.
  • Check the House of Raeford Farms website for information on upcoming sale dates, location and times. As we hear of other processors holding sales, we will provide links to their businesses on our COVID-19 information page. You can find that at www.ncagr.gov.
  • These sales are important, because they put the product into the hands of consumers who are looking for proteins and it helps processors find a market for products that were produced for restaurants and other bulk businesses.
  • These sales help keep supplies and demand balanced and helps avoid food waste as well.
  • Our Marketing staff is also working with farmers and retail grocers to help fill any voids in the produce aisle. It’s kinda like being a produce matchmaker.
  • Again, we are helping connect the buyers and sellers. Grocery retailers tell us what they are looking for, and we work with farmers who may have excess product.
  • Our state-operated farmers markets remain open and we are continually fine-tuning operations as we work to create appropriate social distancing between stands.
  • Farmers and agriculture in general are adapting to meet consumer demands and I am proud about that.
  • A good example are strawberry operations. Many are picking berries and offering curbside pickup options.
  • Roadside stands and local farmers markets are also adapting to help customers.
  • Across the state, the ag community is stepping up to ensure people have access to food. It is important to remember that farm workers, food processing workers, truckers, grocery store employees are also on the front lines in this pandemic.
  • Our farmers and agribusinesses truly appreciate the support.
  • I also want to mention that the Got to Be NC Festival will not be held because of COVID-19. It was scheduled for May 15-17. You know how much I enjoy the festival, so this one is a tough one for me.