Sweet Christmas Traditions: JP Pastry brings holiday joy to everyone (including those who want gluten-free treats)

For many North Carolinians, the holiday season is all about gathering around the table with the people we love, and often sweet treats are part of what we look forward to year after year. For folks with food allergies or dietary restrictions, that sense of togetherness can be complicated. Feeling “included” at the table isn’t … Read more

A North Carolina Tradition: Why Buying a Local Christmas Tree Matters More Than Ever

There’s a certain feeling that comes with the first real chill of of the year. The kind that sends you digging for gloves, humming along to holiday tunes and daydreaming about the glow of a freshly lit tree. For many families, that moment marks the start of a cherished tradition: piling into the car, winding … Read more

From the racetrack to the field, this Century Farm is working to preserve the holiday spirit

As the holiday season rolls around, people across the state are beginning to pull out their Christmas decorations and keep an eye out in the stores for gifts. One of the holidays’ most recognizable features is the Christmas tree and for many families picking one out is an annual tradition. At Almond Christmas Tree Farm … Read more

Onslow County agritourism farm makes Christmas magic with Festival of Lights Hayride

A trip to one Onslow County farm has become a holiday tradition for many families in North Carolina. Mike’s Farm in Beulaville was once a tobacco farm and later a Christmas tree farm. Now, it’s an agritourism farm, offering educational school programs, strawberry picking, pumpkin picking and a variety of other seasonal events. In the … Read more

This unlikely symbol of Christmas is grown in North Carolina

In addition to the Christmas tree itself, there is another plant that has become a symbol of the holiday season: the humble poinsettia. Red, white, pink, yellow or some marbled combination of colors, this potted flower brings a festive touch to Christmas displays in homes, businesses and parade floats. And they’re grown right here in … Read more

Oh, Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree! North Carolina Christmas tree growers hoping for a good year for sales to help them rebound from Helene.

North Carolina Christmas tree farmers are hoping for a strong year for tree sales to help Western N.C.’s economy rebound and provide a spark of hope for the region. This year in particular, buying local will go a long way in helping farmers. We hope everyone will consider purchasing a real N.C. Christmas tree, wreath, … Read more

A Christmas to remember for N.C.-based Wilders Wagyu

For Wilders Wagyu beef company, based on a farm in Sampson County, the 2023 holiday season could be seen as a watershed moment. This season is helping to put Wilders on the map when it comes to holiday gifts from North Carolina producers. “It’s really only our second season selling beef and pork. So we’ve … Read more

N.C. pecan operation rises to the challenge of Christmas rush

Like many businesses, Elizabeth’s Pecans gets a big boost from the holiday shopping season. For the company based in Sampson County, this Christmas is no different. So the extra effort to be ready shifted to a higher gear around August and into September. “I start ordering extra cans and bags we use in the boxes … Read more

Celebrate the scents of the season with products from Got to Be NC member Sleepy Bee Worx

Sometime around 2012, Michael Zink needed a new hobby to put his energy into. He acquired some bees and became a beekeeper just for fun. Right away, he had fun and enjoyed himself. Now, 11 years later, Michael Zink and his wife, Christina, have turned their passion in a profession with Sleepy Bee Worx, a … Read more

Unique holiday gifts from NC Agriculture

Christmas is a beautiful time of year where friends and families alike gather to spend time together and exchange gifts. This year, give your loved ones something unique, special and straight from the heart of North Carolina! Many farms across our state have an abundance of items available for purchase, including scarves, hats, soaps, candy, … Read more