North Carolina sweet potatoes were on full display at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh Friday. The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission joined the State Farmers Market for Sweet Potato Day, offering samples of dishes using North Carolina sweet potatoes and sharing recipes and information about the North Carolina staple. North Carolina is the No. 1 producer … Read more
If you were a kid in North Carolina in the last 40 years or so, you may recall a particular giant strawberry stopping by your elementary school. Her name is Suzy Strawberry and she’s been celebrating North Carolina’s strawberry industry for the last four decades. From where she came from to what she’s up to … Read more
The holidays can be enjoyable but also stressful times, especially if there’s a big meal that’s part of the tradition. Some people easily source great local ingredients, plan everything perfectly and deliver a delicious meal for a crowd year after year. Others, on the other hand, can easily feel intimidated or overwhelmed. With a little … Read more
If you’re looking to take your mom out for a Mother’s Day brunch around the Sandhills, you have plenty of options. You may find just what you’re looking for at two spots in Fayetteville that source ingredients from North Carolina producers. One is a proper brunch place in downtown while the other may inspire thoughts … Read more
Phil Jacobus has started his career with the NCDA&CS as the new manager of operations/marketing at the Western North Carolina Farmers Market in Asheville. He started June 1, and has jumped right in to implement innovative programs to connect western North Carolina farmers to customers who live in the greater Asheville community and beyond. Phil … Read more
Where can we find farmers markets and what makes them successful? While celebrating National Farmers Market Week this week, the first week of August, we sat down for a few moments with Kevin Hardison, agricultural marketing specialist with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to discuss the great diversity of farmers markets available … Read more
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 … Read more
National Farmers’ Market Week takes place Aug. 2-8, 2020. Farmers’ markets across North Carolina offer communities access to fresh, nutritious food, while also stimulating local economies. National Farmers’ Market Week is a time to celebrate those who produce fresh foods in our state. Whether you visit a roadside stand or the State Farmers’ Market, take … Read more
These days, the four NCDA&CS farmers markets are still operating with modifications due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been three and a half months since the markets plunged into emergency response mode – having to make immediate adjustments for public safety while also staying open to provide a viable source of food for people. While … Read more
As many of North Carolina’s produce stands and farmers markets geared up for the spring and summer season this year, there were a lot of questions facing farmers and others who operate those markets. This big question about how to operate in the era of COVID-19, led to lots of other questions. “What should we … Read more
