Ray Starling
Ray Starling, NCDA&CS general counsel, has been recognized by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture for outstanding contributions to agriculture.
Starling is one of three employees from agriculture departments across the country who were recognized at NASDA’s annual meeting in September. He was honored in the Administration category.
Other recipients of 2011 NASDA awards were Misti Preston of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, honored in the Communications category, and Gray Haun of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, who received the James A. Graham Service Award.
In a news release, NASDA said of Starling: “His ability to combine his knowledge of production agriculture with his legal and policy expertise makes him a true asset to the department and to NASDA.” In addition to his legal work, Starling works on a variety of state and federal policy matters related to agriculture. He works closely with the North Carolina congressional delegation to keep them informed about agricultural practices and consumer safety.
Said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler: “Ray grew up on a farm and understands the challenges farmers face. He combines his passion for agriculture with legal expertise to work on solutions to a wide variety of agricultural policy issues.”
Starling joined the NCDA&CS in 2007. The Sampson County native is a graduate of N.C. State University and the University of North Carolina School of Law. In addition to his responsibilities at the department, Starling is an adjunct professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he teaches courses in agriculture, food law and policy.