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 […]
Marketing Division
Farmers Market Managers Recognized for COVID-19 Response
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 […]
Today’s Topic: Marketing Division helps connect consumers with farm fresh products
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Mike Davis to discuss “Today’s Topic.” Staff with the department’s Marketing Division have been helping connect consumers with farm fresh products through a variety of ways. While COVID-19 has created some disruptions in the food supply chain, food processors, farmers and restaurants are […]
Today’s Topic: North Carolina specialty food products perfect for holiday gifts
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Mike Davis to discuss “Today’s Topic.” As consumers are focusing in on finding the perfect holiday gifts, a big push continues on the shop local movement. Wedged between Black Friday sales and Cyber Monday is Shop Local Saturday. With all manner of specialty […]
Grower/Buyer Exchange set for Feb. 20
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 […]
News Roundup: July 22-28
Each week we round up the latest N.C. agricultural headlines from news outlets across the state and country, as well as excerpts from the stories. “Bradley Johnston brings boutique dairy farming to Mills River,” Mountain Xpress: If you’re in Mills River and want to talk dairy farming, you go see S.O.B. But don’t be alarmed: Sweet […]
NCDA&CS takes center stage at the Southern Farm Show
Ladies and gentlemen, step right up! The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is pleased to present its lineup for the 2017 Southern Farm Show Feb. 1-3. This show is the Southeast’s largest agricultural exposition with more than 400 vendors. It’s held every February at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Come early and plan […]
News Roundup: July 18-24
Each week we round up the latest N.C. agricultural headlines from news outlets across the state and country, as well as excerpts from the stories. Click on the links to go straight to the full story. “Tri-Hishtil facility takes shape in Mills River,” Hendersonville Times-News: Tri-Hishtil, a plant-grafting operation in Mills River currently under construction […]
Faces in the Field: Annie Baggett, NCDA&CS Agritourism Marketing Specialist
Recently Annie Baggett joined the Marketing Division team as Agritourism Marketing Specialist. She replaces Martha Glass who retired. The Agritourism Office has been a part of the NCDA&CS Marketing Division since 2003. The goals of the office include assisting farms with marketing and promotion support and helping them develop and establish agritourism activities. Any type […]
Specialty foods showcased at Southern Christmas Show
If you attend the final weekend of the Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte, be on the lookout for @ The Market N.C. Specialty Foods exhibit. The store features more than 200 items produced locally by 34 food businesses from across the state. You’ll find a variety of products for your upcoming holiday festivities, including cooking […]
N.C. Specialty Foods Association announces 2013 Product Awards finalists
Last month, the N.C. Specialty Foods Association held its spring conference in Raleigh. The event included workshops, guest speakers and networking opportunities for food businesses from across the state. In addition, the association held its 2013 Product Awards, a competition for specialty products. The association announced finalists in three categories: condiments, snacks and packaging. Little […]