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.
- “Horse virus appears in N.C. stable,” News & Observer: A contagious virus that affects horses has made its first confirmed appearance in North Carolina after a decade of growing frequency in other states. …
- “Study: Parasitic fly could explain bee die-off,” WRAL: Northern California scientists say they have found a possible explanation for a honey bee die-off that has decimated hives around the world: A parasitic fly that hijacks the bees’ bodies and causes them to abandon hives. …
- “Agri-business growing; projects could be coming,” Hendersonville Times-News: The seeds for growth of one of the mountains’ most important industries have been planted, Henderson County’s top agricultural official told the Board of Commissioners Tuesday, and the multifaceted plan could result in some major projects with outside companies. …
- “NC Dept of Agriculture extends cost-share reimbursements for ogranic-farm certification,” Mountain Xpress: The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services is providing cost share reimbursements for the costs of organic certification through September 2012. Last year it provided cost share assistance to 90 organic farmers in North Carolina for a total of $54,000. …
- “State will tighten watch on propane violations,” News & Observer: The state Department of Agriculture is focused on finishing a new system for tracking safety violations at propane companies after a state audit released last week faulted the agency for failing to penalize rule-breakers. In an interview Tuesday, state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said the full system of tracking violations and penalties will be finished within four months. …
- “Third-grader grows giant cabbage from tiny seedling,” Charlotte Observer: A tiny seedling that grew into a 25-pound cabbage in her Pawpaw’s garden has turned into something even better for 9-year-old Alyssa Bloomer. Instead of sauerkraut and slaw, the colossal cabbage produced a $1,000 savings bond for the Costner Elementary student. …
- “New UN food chief sees 2012 price volatility,” Charlotte Observer: The new head of the U.N. food agency said Tuesday he expects food prices to stay volatile in 2012 – and more people to go hungry. …