The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, has revealed the app’s true potential and continued success. Now, more than ever, consumers value local food purchases and supporting their local economies, creating a unique market for the Visit NC Farms app’s relevancy and flexibility for both farms and consumers. By investing in the app, communities have […]
North Carolina is home to the fourth-largest military population in the nation, with more than 145,000 military personnel residing in the state. While it is easy to see the impact of the military on the state’s economy, learning how to sell ag products to the military can be more of a challenge. That’s why the […]
The N.C. Specialty Foods Association celebrated its 25th anniversary last month with a reception at the Angus Barn in Raleigh. The group, which promotes locally made gourmet food and specialty products, held its inaugural meeting at the Angus Barn on April 11, 1994. The original organization had 50 members. Sandi Ford, of Bone Suckin’ Sauce […]
The N.C. Specialty Foods Association announced winners in its 2018 Product Competition, held Sept. 7 in Bermuda Run. This year’s competition was one of the largest yet, with 82 entries submitted across seven categories. Mike D’s BBQ was named Grand Champion for its All Purpose Dry Rub. The Durham-based company offers award-winning products that are […]
The N.C. Vegetable Growers Association recently wrapped up its “Thrill the Grill Challenge”, which asked grill masters to submit their favorite grilled-vegetable recipes ahead of the summer cookout season. Lisa Chestnutt of Hyde County earned first place with her recipe for Hyde Grilled Vegetable Medly. The dish earned her bragging rights and a John Deere […]
If your farmers market is thinking about promotions this year, consider applying for cooperative advertising funding from the department. The funds, which are made possible through a grant from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, will pay half of the total cost of your 2018 advertising up to $2,500. “There are more than 250 farmers […]
North Carolina farms that welcome visitors can take advantage of the 2018 Agritourism Marketing Cost-Share Grant available through the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Deadline for application has been extended to March 16, 2018. The $100,000 grant, which is funded by the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, is available for individual farms or […]
Organizers have something special planned for this year’s N.C. Aquaculture Development Conference in New Bern March 7-10. On Friday, March 9, seafood lovers can take part in the Cultured Seafood Festival, an all-you-care-to-eat feast. Chef James “Smoke” Boyd, owner of The Flame Catering and Banquet Centre, will prepare a variety of aquaculture dishes featuring farm-raised […]
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, now is the time to plan a romantic evening for your special someone. If you’re looking for a way to make the night extra special, try uncorking a bottle of N.C. sparkling wine. We’ve compiled a list of five, delicious sparkling wines that you can enjoy this Valentine’s Day […]
On Feb. 20, the department will host produce buyers from Lowes Foods and US Foods at the Grower/Buyer Exchange. The event, organized by the department’s Marketing Division, is geared to N.C. fruit and vegetable growers interested in selling their products to retailers and food service companies. Growers can schedule personal, 15-minute meetings with category buyers […]
The number of North Carolina farms welcoming visitors has skyrocketed in the last 10 years, increasing by 89 percent. Moreover, the diversity of agritourism-related activities has increased. There are still plenty of pick-your-own strawberry fields and corn mazes, but today’s farmers also are offering weekend farm stays, weaving workshops and even goat yoga to entice […]
As families prepare for the holiday season, N.C. pecan farmers are harvesting their crop. The Tar Heel state produces 3 to 5 million pounds of pecans annually, and 2017 is shaping up to be a great year. That’s welcome news for local growers after last year’s crop was devastated when Hurricane Matthew pummeled Southeastern North […]