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.
- “Try to eat local all year long,” Salisbury Post: Many people think of eating local only during mid-summer, when the farmer’s market is flush with crisp, sweet corn and juicy, ripe tomatoes. That only leaves a few months of the year to eat local. Actually, eating local with the seasons is much easier today than in years past due to the many local producers who are growing year round. …
- “The Sweet Sixteen,” Mountain Times: Each year, the Fire on the Rock Chef Challenge just keeps getting bigger and better. This year, it has exploded from a regional phenomenon into a statewide competition. In addition to the 16-chef Fire on the Rock Chef Challenge held in the High Country, the event has added three other competitions that will be held in various parts of the state. …
- “Vietnam, Cambodia report bird flu deaths,” News & Observer: Vietnam on Thursday confirmed its first human death from bird flu in nearly two years, a day after neighboring Cambodia also logged its first fatality this year as new cases of the H5N1 virus are reported in Asia and the Middle East. …
- “Damaging citrus plant disease confirmed in Texas,” Charlotte Observer: State agriculture officials say a destructive citrus plant disease that has wiped out crops in Florida has been confirmed in Texas. …
- “TreeFest spreads its branches this weekend,” Greater Wilmington Business Journal: On Friday and Saturday, area residents can participate in the greening of New Hanover County. TreeFest, an annual seedling distribution, takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days in the courtyard outside JC Penney at Independence Mall. Local residents are invited to choose as many as five tree seedlings to take home and plant on their property. …
- “N.C. companies win food awards,” News & Observer: Four North Carolina companies were honored over the weekend with Good Food Awards, which honor “tasty, authentic and responsibly produced” foods. The North Carolina winners and their prize products are: Miss Jenny’s Pickles in Kernersville, Habanero Bread and Butter Pickles. Escazu Artisan Chocolate in Raleigh, Guapiles Costa Rica bar, which is made with 60 percent goat’s milk. Counter Culture Coffee of Durham, Buna Ababa-Haru. Farmer’s Daughter Brand of Carrboro, Strawberry Honeysuckle Jam. …
- “More farmers markets allowed in Asheville,” Asheville Citizen-Times: In an effort to give low-income residents more access to fresh food, the city is allowing farmers markets in more places and could soon cut even more restrictions on where growers can sell vegetables and homemade goods. …