Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.”
Ten years ago this month, the NCDA&CS launched the Got to Be NC Agriculture identity program for agricultural products that are grown, raised, caught or made in North Carolina.
Commissioner Troxler says Got to Be NC’s roots actually go back 30 years. It’s an extension of the Goodness Grows in North Carolina marketing program, which began in 1985.
These programs focus on raising awareness of North Carolina agricultural products among the public. Over the past 10 years, Got to Be NC has expanded into all of the state’s grocery store chains. Many, many restaurants across the state also display the logo to tout the fact that they’re using North Carolina food on the menus.
The number of farms and companies that belong to the program has increased tremendously. Goodness Grows began with 14 members. Today, Got to Be NC has 3,000 members representing farmers, ranchers, fishermen and food businesses across the state.
In addition to promoting N.C. agricultural products in grocery stores and restaurants, Got to Be NC also is spreading the message in commissaries and dining halls on military bases in the state. And the department has taken the Got to Be NC message around the world. Consumers in other countries now know about the quality products that come from North Carolina.
Click on the audio player below to listen to Commissioner Troxler and Rhonda discuss the Got to Be NC Agriculture program.
[Audio:/wp-content/uploads/Troxler_7-7-15.mp3|titles=Today’s Topic for July 7]
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