Contact: Dexter Hill, pecan marketing specialistNCDA&CS Marketing Division252-527-7125; dexter.hill@ncagr.gov RALEIGH – After several years of weather-related setbacks, North Carolina pecan growers are reporting a strong crop. That is welcome news for farmers such as Tim Haithcock, who has been growing pecans for over 25 years. “My trees have been heavy,” Haithcock said. “They are looking very, very good with plenty …
North Carolina Forestry Association, N.C. Forest Service Promote National Forest Products Week
RALEIGH – National Forest Products Week is celebrated the third week in October every year, and in celebration, the North Carolina Forestry Association and the N.C Forest Service recognizes the $33.6 billion contribution of the forest products industry to our state’s economy. NCFA Executive Director John Hatcher says, “Forestry is a significant economic driver for our state, ensuring jobs and …
Cold Outbreak at End of October Could End Growing Season in Northern Alabama, Georgia
According to Pam Knox, University of Georgia agricultural climatologist, in her UGA Extension blog, the forecasts are starting to show a strong cold front passing through the Southeast at the end of October. This will usher in a period of much colder air which could include frost across northern Alabama and Georgia as well as western parts of the Carolinas …
NCDA&CS Announces Specialty Crop Block Grant Recipients
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced the recipients of more than $1.25 million in funding from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The funding will be used for projects that enhance the quality of specialty crops grown in North Carolina. “North Carolina is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation, and …
North Carolina to Continue Under Industrial Hemp Pilot Program
According to the North Carolina State Extension, the NC Industrial Hemp Pilot Program was set to expire on Oct. 31, 2020. However, Congress passed a law (Wednesday) that allows states to continue their pilot programs until Sept. 20, 2021. For the time being the rules for growing hemp, licensing, compliance testing, etc. will remain the same in NC. NCDA&CS has …
Troxler Announces COVID-19 Assistance for Farmers Market Operators, Local Food Hubs
RALEIGH – Beginning Oct. 1, farmers markets operators and local food hubs can apply for assistance through the COVID-19 Emergency Aid for Farmers Market Operators and Local Food Hubs program. A total of $750,000 will be available from federal COVID-19 funds earmarked for North Carolina. Funding is meant to assist with losses from reduced number of vendors, plus offset additional …
Troxler Announces $2 Million in Funds for Dairy Assistance Due to COVID-19 Losses
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services RALEIGH – Grade A dairy fluid milk producers in North Carolina who suffered losses because of COVID-19 disruptions in the milk supply chain can soon apply for assistance through the COVID-19 Dairy Aid Program 2020. A total of $2 million will be available, with limits on the amount paid to producers. “The …
NCDA&CS, WNC Communities Sign Proclamation to Continue Hemlock Restoration Initiative
RALEIGH – North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler today co-signed a proclamation with Jennifer Ferre, the executive director of WNC Communities, in which both leaders pledge continued support for the Hemlock Restoration Initiative. Troxler first announced the allocation of seed funding for the initiative in March of 2014. Since then, collaboration with WNC Communities has resulted in positive momentum in …
Gloomy Projections Remain for North Carolina Grapes
It is nearing harvest time for North Carolina grape producers. Unfortunately, original projections remain true for this year’s crop. It is expected to be a down year for grape farmers. “With the vinefera grapes for the wine industry in the western part because of all of the frost events we had in the spring, most vineyards are down at least …
USDA Announces More Eligible Commodities for CFAP
Application Deadline Extended to Sept. 11 (Washington, D.C., Aug. 11, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that additional commodities are covered by the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) in response to public comments and data. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline to apply for the program to Sept. 11, and producers …