Farm family fun: Got To Be NC Festival this weekend in Raleigh
The Got to Be NC Festival returns to the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh May 15-17, bringing a full weekend of free family friendly fun and a celebration of North Carolina's rich agricultural heritage.
Recent rain eases fire danger, but drought concerns remain across North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. (SFN) - Recent rainfall has brought some relief to North Carolina, but N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler says drought concerns remain - especially in the Piedmont. Troxler said the latest drought monitor maps have not shown major improvement because they account for long-term rainfall deficit...
State's ban on open burning lifted for 81 North Carolina counties
RALEIGH - The N.C. Forest Service has lifted a ban on all open burning for 81 counties effective 8 a.m. Sunday, May 3. The statewide ban on open burning went into effect March 28 due to hazardous forest fire conditions, and the ban remains in effect for Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gast...
Study identifies opportunities to expand agricultural manufacturing and processing in North Carolina
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. - A new study found that targeted investments in agricultural manufacturing and processing could help North Carolina farmers access higher-value and more reliable markets if they are designed with a farmer-centric approach and local sourcing strategy. The study, commissioned by the North Ca...
Statewide burn ban issued for North Carolina due to hazardous forest fire conditions
RALEIGH - Due to increased wildfire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28 until further notice. "With drought severity across the state, forecast fire weather and the potential for limited rainfall, it...
National Ag Day Recognizes Farmers' Role in Food, Security
Today marks National Agriculture Day, a time to recognize farmers, producers and agribusinesses that keep food on the table and drive one of North Carolina's most important industries. To talk more about that, we're joined by Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler. Commissioner, thanks for joining us. "Well, I'...
New Grants Aim to Boost Agricultural Processing in North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. (SFN) - North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler says a new round of funding is now available through a state initiative designed to help farmers and businesses expand agricultural manufacturing and food processing within the state. Speaking with SFN, Troxler highlighted the North Carolina Ag...
Troxler highlights biosecurity risks from farm visitors
We're joined again by Commissioner Steve Troxler. Commissioner, I know that biosecurity is something you take very seriously, but it's not just the farmers who can take steps. I know you've recently put some information out to help communicate to other people who may be coming onto a farm site. Can you talk to us about...
Ag Leaders Growing Restless Waiting for Farm Bill
House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson released the long-overdue text of the revised Farm Bill last week, and ag leaders are saying it's about time for Congress to get busy revising the outdated 2018 iteration. North Carolina Ag Commissioner Steve Troxler says while some ag provisions were included in last ye...
Troxler: Farmland Preservation Funding Lags Amid Rapid North Carolina Growth
North Carolina is facing record growth, but state agriculture officials warn that expansion is coming at a cost: the steady loss of farmland and forestland. North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said the state's goal is not to stop development altogether, but to slow the pace at which agricultural land ...