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.
“Grants for farm diversification, local agriculture groups,” Smoky Mountain News: Small farmers needing help might just find the financial boost they need through WNC Agricultural Options. The group this year will award $150,000 to 35 or so farm businesses and farmer-led groups. …
“North Carolina seed lab returns to permanent home,” Southeast Farm Press: The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Seed Laboratory has moved back to its permanent location in the Old Health Building following the completion of renovations. …
“The difference between legal, illegal farm labor,” News & Observer: For every bucket of sweet potatoes Pablo picks at a farm in this eastern North Carolina community, he gets 40 cents. At that rate he’ll need to pick and haul 3,750 buckets to eclipse the $1,500 he paid to a coyote – a term for someone who helps undocumented immigrants cross the U.S. border. …
“State Fair livestock building source of E. coli outbreak,” WRAL.com: An E. coli outbreak that has sickened around 30 people has been linked to a livestock building at the North Carolina State Fair, state agriculture and health officials said Thursday. …
“Irene costs tobacco farmers $114 million,” News & Observer: As their crops come in and they count their gains and losses, Eastern North Carolina farmers are finding that much of their profit this year was dried up by drought or blown away by Hurricane Irene. …
“USDA yanks Christmas tree fees,” Charlotte Observer: Is the Obama administration really taxing Christmas trees? No, but the White House said Wednesday that it was reversing its decision to approve an industry-sponsored Christmas tree promotion program after conservatives accused the Agriculture Department of spoiling Christmas with a new tree tax. …