Today wraps up the 2014 annual meeting of the Southern Plant Board in Raleigh. U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Services officials and state plant regulators from 13 Southern states and Puerto Rico are here to discuss plant health issues specific to this region of the country, along with new technologies and resources to aid in nursery inspections and pest detections. During the visit, the group toured the recently dedicated Bayer Bee Care Center in Research Triangle Park and heard about North Carolina’s ginseng marking program.

Southern Plant Board attendees enjoy a barbecue dinner and bluegrass music by Samantha Casey and the Bluegrass Jam at the J.C. Raulston Arboretum.