Each week we round up the latest N.C. agricultural headlines from news outlets across the state and country, as well as excerpts from the stories. Click on the links to go straight to the full story.
- “Perdue calls for mergers, hiring freeze,” News & Observer: Gov. Bev Perdue proposed a sweeping reorganization of state government Thursday that includes merging state agencies, a hiring freeze for state employees, and other measures aimed at cost savings. …
- “Greenhouse growth plans are blooming,” Charlotte Observer: The largest greenhouse in the United States is about to get even bigger. The Huntersville Planning Board recently approved the rezoning of about 133 acres on Huntersville Concord Road so Metrolina Greenhouses can move forward with a 1.5 million-square-foot greenhouse expansion. …
- “Obama signs law for Indian tribes, black farmers,” Greensboro News & Record: WASHINGTON — American Indians and black farmers will be paid $4.6 billion to address claims of government mistreatment over many decades under landmark legislation President Barack Obama signed Wednesday. …
- “N.C. Biotech Center forms Agricultural Biotech Advisory Council,” WRAL-TV: The North Carolina Biotechnology Council is seeking input from a panel of experts into how the state’s farm industry can help drive biotech growth. …
- “Bed bugs target of research, extension efforts,” CALS News Center Blog: “Don’t let the bed bugs bite” may seem like a trite outdated bedtime wish, but unfortunately it is becoming more real for home owners and institutions around the country. …
- “Local food movement continues in winter,” ReeseNews: Although winter months put a damper on farm activities, community support for the local and sustainable food movement hasn’t shown signs of slowing. …
- “Nash County purchases site sought by poultry plant,” Rocky Mount Telegram: Nash County officials will move forward with purchasing rural property that could become the site for a proposed Sanderson Farms poultry processing plant. …
- “Grants enable Western North Carolina farms to install sources of renewable energy,” Asheville Citizen-Times: The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission has provided cost share funds for renewable energy projects on farms in Madison, Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford and Cleveland counties. …