Tag Archive for: #gottobencagriculture

Troxler to host Food Safety Forum

/by

RALEIGH – Helping small farms prepare for new federal food safety rules will be among topics covered at the 13th annual Commissioner’s Food Safety Forum on Aug. 15 at the State Fairgrounds.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will host the event from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Expo Center. It is open to farmers, food businesses, regulators, health professionals and other interested people. Admission is free and includes lunch, but pre-registration is requested.

To register, go to www.ncagr.gov/ncfoodsafetyforum by Aug. 11. Individuals with questions should contact Derek Wagner at derek.wagner@ncagr.gov or 919-707-3011.

As the federal Food Safety Modernization Act is implemented across the country, farms of all sizes will be subject to on-farm inspections and other food safety rules. Roland McReynolds, executive director of the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, will talk about the importance of training collaborations for small farms to comply with the rules. And Chuck Ross, extension director with the University of Vermont’s College of Agriculture and Life Science, will give an update on FSMA implementation.

In addition, Dr. Steven Taylor, professor at the University of Nebraska, will talk about incorporating allergen controls within food-processing facilities. Taylor is founder and co-director of the university’s Food Allergy Research & Resource Program. His research has focused on developing methods to detect residues of allergenic foods, and he has worked with numerous companies on a wide range of allergen-related topics.

Other speakers include Dr. Clint Stevenson, assistant professor of food science education at N.C. State University. “Dr. Stevenson and his team have developed virtual reality training sessions that allow students and professionals to interact with virtual representations of real-world food manufacturing facilities and look for food safety problems,” Troxler said. “Stevenson will demonstrate how he brings the factory into the classroom.”

The forum is organized by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and sponsored by Harris Teeter.

State Farmers Market to host Largest Watermelon Contest during annual Watermelon Day July 27

/by

Top prize $1,000

RALEIGH — The State Farmers Market is looking for the largest watermelon in North Carolina. The public weigh-in and awards ceremony is part of the market’s annual Watermelon Day Thursday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Watermelon growers will have the chance to earn prize money and bragging rights during the Largest Watermelon Contest. The grower with the heaviest watermelon will win $1,000. The runner-up will earn $500, and third and fourth places will earn $300 and $200, respectively.

All entries must be from North Carolina, and growers must be prepared to identify where the watermelon was grown. Melons should be free of decay and soft spots, and stems should be trimmed to 3 inches. Only one entry per person will be allowed.

Entries will be accepted until 11:30 a.m., and the weigh-in will take place at noon. All entries will become the property of the State Farmers Market. The winning watermelon will be on display at the State Farmers Market Restaurant.

Other Watermelon Day activities include free watermelon slices and a visit from the N.C. Watermelon Queen. There also will be fresh local watermelons and watermelon products for sale.

Watermelon Day is sponsored by the N.C. Watermelon Association, State Farmers Market Restaurant, Ford’s Produce, R & H Produce and the State Farmers Market.

North Carolina is the seventh-largest producer of watermelons in the nation, yielding 201,376 pounds in 2016.

The State Farmers Market is one of four state-operated farmers markets in North Carolina. The market offers seasonal produce, fresh meats and seafood, and a large variety of specialty products. The market is also home to Market Imports, Super Sod and three restaurants. More information about Watermelon Day, the contest rules and other special events is available at www.statefarmersmarket.org.

NC State Farmers Market to host annual Blueberry Day June 15

/by

RALEIGH — The State Farmers Market will celebrate its annual Blueberry Day Thursday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Guests can enjoy free samples of blueberry cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream prepared by the State Farmers Market Restaurant. In addition, there will be plenty of recipes and the opportunity to purchase fresh local blueberries.

Blueberry Day will be held in the event area, which is located between the N.C. Seafood Restaurant and the garden section of the Farmers building. The event is sponsored by the N.C. Blueberry Council, the State Farmers Market Restaurant, the State Farmers Market and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

North Carolina is the sixth-largest producer of blueberries in the nation, yielding nearly 50 million pounds in 2016, with about 8,000 acres of blueberries grown in the state.

The State Farmers Market is one of four state-operated farmers markets located across North Carolina. The market offers seasonal produce, fresh meats and seafood, and a large variety of specialty products seven days a week. The market is also home to Market Imports, Super-Sod and three restaurants. More information about Blueberry Day and other special events is available at www.statefarmersmarket.org.

State Farmers Market to host strawberry dessert contest Thursday

/by

RALEIGH – The State Farmers Market will host a strawberry dessert contest Thursday, May 4, as part of its annual Strawberry Day celebration. Contestants can submit their favorite strawberry dessert for a chance at prize money and bragging rights.

Desserts should include at least two cups of N.C. strawberries, and strawberries must be a main ingredient. Recipes will be judged on flavor, appearance, quality and creative use of strawberries. All entries must be in disposable containers and include the complete recipe with cooking instructions, along with contestant’s name, address and telephone number. A total of $400 in prize money will be awarded for the top three desserts, with $200 for first place, $125 for second and $75 for third.

Desserts can be dropped off between 8 and 10 a.m. at the State Farmers Market Administrative Office at 1201 Agriculture St. Judging is open to media and will start at 10 a.m. Prizes will be awarded at noon.

Strawberry Day activities will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with free samples of strawberry ice cream for all guests. Visitors also can have their photo taken with Suzy Strawberry and pick up free strawberry recipes to take home. In addition, market vendors will be selling a variety of locally grown strawberries.

North Carolina is the fourth-largest producer of strawberries in the nation. This season has been unusual for local growers. An early start to the season was put on hold by a late cold snap in March. However, most local strawberry growers have recovered and are expecting a strong crop into late May.

For more information on Strawberry Day and other special events at the State Farmers Market, go to www.statefarmersmarket.org.

Got to Be NC Festival offers agricultural fun May 19-21

/by

RALEIGH – The Got to Be NC Festival, a family-friendly celebration of agriculture, food and fun, returns to the N.C. State Fairgrounds May 19-21.

“The Got to Be NC Festival offers something for everyone, including farm animals, antique tractors, bluegrass competitions and a barbecue cook-off,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We encourage everyone to come celebrate the state’s $84 billion agriculture industry as we kick off the start of the growing season.”

One of the festival’s highlights is the Homegrown Fare presented by Lowes Foods. Visitors can sample and purchase food, wine and beer from about 100 N.C. companies in the Expo Building. Admission is $3 for ages 12 and older, but guests can receive two free admission tickets by presenting their Lowes Foods loyalty card at the door.

This year, the Got to Be NC Festival will have an expanded music lineup inside Dorton Arena, featuring 11 free musical acts from North Carolina. On Saturday, May 20, bluegrass fans can enjoy the Carolina Bluegrass Battle from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The competition will include eight local bluegrass bands vying for prize money and a chance to perform at the N.C. State Fair and PreddyFest 2017. The contest will be hosted by The Church Sisters, who also will give two special performances before and after the competition.

Also on Saturday, Masonic lodges from across the nation will take part in the annual Carolina Pig Jig barbecue cook-off. Starting at 11 a.m., visitors can sample barbecue, chicken and side dishes, and place their vote for the People’s Choice award. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children 7-11, and free for children under 7. All proceeds benefit the Masonic homes for children in Oxford.

The festival also includes one of the largest displays of antique tractors and farm equipment in the Southeast. Guests can see the antique tractors in action during the tractor parade daily at 1 p.m. In addition, visitors can see farm animals ranging from baby chickens and goats to longhorn steers and alpacas.

Other attractions include more than 30 carnival rides and games for all ages. Tickets are available for $1 each, 14 tickets for $12, or 30 tickets for $20. On Friday and Sunday, visitors can take advantage of a special Ride All Day Wristband for $20.

New attractions include the Pig Patch Birthing Center, with daily pig births beside the midway; the State Fair Flyer, a chairlift ride that debuted at the 2016 N.C. State Fair and offers panoramic views of the fairgrounds; original sand sculptures by artist Ed Moore; Kids’ Tractor Pedal Pulls on Friday and Saturday in the grandstand; the Bulldozer Sandbox featuring construction demonstrations with working excavators and bulldozers; and more.

Admission and parking at the festival are free, but certain attractions have a separate admission charge. Gates are open Friday from noon to 10 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.gottobencfestival.com.

North Carolina strawberry growers expect second wave of crop

/by

RALEIGH – It has been about a month since most areas of North Carolina saw their last freeze, and for local strawberry growers and eaters that means the second wave of strawberries is almost here.

“This has been an unusual strawberry season in North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Thanks to a warm February, many growers were picking at least two weeks ahead of schedule. Then the state had freezing temperatures in March, which put production on hold. It takes 30 days or more for a blossom to turn into a berry. Now that we are past the last freeze, more strawberries are about ready for picking, and consumers should expect a strong crop through the end of May.”

Picking will begin in Eastern North Carolina and the Piedmont over the next two weeks. Western North Carolina growers should be ready for picking May 1. The peak of the N.C. strawberry season is traditionally Mother’s Day weekend, but locally grown berries should still be available into Memorial Day, said Dexter Hill, marketing specialist with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

To celebrate the season, the department and N.C. Strawberry Association will hold three Strawberry Day events at the state-operated farmers markets in Colfax, Charlotte and Raleigh in May. The first event is at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh on May 4. The celebration includes a strawberry recipe contest, ice cream samples and a visit by Suzy Strawberry. On May 5, the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax will host its Strawberry Day, which also includes a recipe contest, ice cream samples and visit by Suzy Strawberry. On May 12, visitors to the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market can enjoy free strawberry ice cream samples. All three events will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

North Carolina is the fourth-largest producer of strawberries in the nation, and the crop generated more than $23 million in farm income in 2015. More information about the strawberry industry is available at www.ncstrawberry.com. Consumers interested in finding a you-pick strawberry farm near them can go to www.ncfarmfresh.com.

N.C. greenhouse tomatoes ready for harvest

/by

RALEIGH – Local field-grown tomatoes are not quite ready, but greenhouse tomatoes are now available for N.C. consumers.

Richard Whitaker, owner of Whitaker Farms in Climax, has been picking greenhouse tomatoes since late March. His farm grows tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce in the greenhouse, but also grows field tomatoes, strawberries and other vegetables. Whitaker says the benefit of growing in a greenhouse is being able to extend the season.

“We’re able to pick from March until July,” said Whitaker, first vice president of the N.C. Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Association. “We’ve even had some years where we were able to keep picking greenhouse tomatoes until Christmas.”

Tomatoes account for about 90 percent of the state’s greenhouse vegetables, according to the association. Greenhouse vegetable growers also produce cucumbers, lettuces and peppers.

The association, in partnership with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, will host two Greenhouse Vegetable Days: April 20 at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh and April 21 at the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax. At each event, visitors can enjoy a free tomato sandwich made with greenhouse tomatoes from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To find local greenhouse growers near you, go to www.ncgreenhouse.org.

Stay Alert: Five North Carolina stores pay fines for price-scanning errors

/by

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Standards Division has collected fines from stores in Brunswick, Durham, Forsyth and Mecklenburg counties because of excessive price-scanner errors.

“We want consumers to be confident that the price on the shelf matches the price that’s scanned at the register,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Stores have a responsibility to make sure their pricing is accurate, and most stores pass inspection. Ones that don’t are fined until they come into compliance. Consumers who would like to file a complaint about a store can call the Standards Division at 919-707-3225.”

The department conducts periodic, unannounced inspections of a business’ price-scanner system to check for accuracy between the prices advertised and the prices that ring up at the register. If a store has more than a 2-percent error rate on overcharges, inspectors discuss the findings with the store manager and conduct a more intensive follow-up inspection at a later date. Undercharges are also reported, but do not count against a store.

Penalties are assessed if a store fails a follow-up inspection. In addition to the penalties paid, the store will be subject to re-inspection every 60 days from the last inspection until it meets the 2-percent-or-less error rate. Additional penalties may be assessed if the store fails a re-inspection. Following are stores that paid civil penalties in the first quarter of 2017:

  • (Brunswick County) Walgreens #2530 at 5098 Southport Supply Road, Southport, paid $660 in penalties. An initial inspection in November found an error rate of 10 percent, based on five overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in January found an error rate of 3.33 percent, based on 10 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in March.
  • (Durham) Office Depot #2687 at 5600 South Miami Blvd., Durham, paid a total of $3,320 in penalties. An initial inspection in October found an error rate of 16 percent, based on eight overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in November found at error rate of 7.33 percent, based on 22 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,710 in penalties. A third inspection in January found an error rate of 5.33 percent, based on 16 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,610 in penalties. The store was inspected in March and had an error rate of 3 percent, based on nine overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store has been assessed a $1,915 penalty and will be re-inspected.
  • (Forsyth) Staples #1135 at 430 Hanes Mill Road, Winston-Salem, paid a total of $4,280 in penalties. An initial inspection in September found an error rate of 20 percent, based on 10 overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in November found an error rate of 7.67 percent, based on 23 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $2,760 in penalties. A third inspection in February found an error rate of 3 percent, based on nine overcharges on a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,520 in penalties. The store will be re-inspected.
  • (Mecklenburg) CVS #3896 at 9308 Kendall Drive, Charlotte, paid a total of $2,810 in penalties. An initial inspection in October found an error rate of 10 percent, based on five overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in November found an error rate of 7 percent, based on 21 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,605 in penalties. A third inspection in January found an error rate of 2.67 percent based on eight overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,205 in penalties. The store passed inspection in March.
  • (Mecklenburg) CVS #6518 at 11430 North Tryon St., Charlotte paid $1,425 in penalties. An initial inspection in December found an error rate of 8 percent, based on four overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in January found an error rate of 7.33 percent, based on 22 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in March.

State Farmers Market kicks off spring events with craft fair March 10-12

/by

RALEIGH – The State Farmers Market will host several special events this spring, starting with its annual Spring Craft Fair, March 10-12.

The three-day festival features dozens of vendors selling handmade items and unique gifts. Visitors will find ornamental garden accessories, woodworking items, handcrafted soaps and candles, handbags, jewelry, baked goods, furniture and more. Vendors will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

On March 18, the State Farmers Market will host an Arbor Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event will include demonstrations, hands-on activities for children, and tree professionals offering advice on backyard and urban conservation. Tree seedlings also will be given to attendees while supplies last.

Other upcoming events:

  • Market Shoppes Open House on April 8. The Market Shoppes offer locally made specialty foods, wines, meats and cheeses, as well as handcrafted items and gifts. The open house will feature special discounts and door prizes.
  • Greenhouse Vegetable Day on April 20. Guests can enjoy a free tomato sandwich made with N.C. greenhouse tomatoes.
  • Strawberry Day on May 4. A strawberry dessert contest will be held and fresh strawberries will be available for sample and purchase.
  • Crawfish Day on June 3, featuring N.C. crawfish for sale by the pound. Crawfish is sold raw or cooked with seasoning.
  • Blueberry Day on June 15 celebrates the state’s blueberry season with free dessert samples. N.C. blueberries also will be available for sample and purchase.

The State Farmers Market is open year round offering seasonal produce, local meats and seafood, cheeses and wines, along with a variety of specialty products. Visitors also will find ornamental plants, trees and shrubs. In addition, the market is home to Market Imports, Super Sod and three restaurants serving home-style cooking, seafood and casual-dining fare. More information is available at www.statefarmersmarket.org and on the market’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/StateFarmersMarket.

 

NCDA&CS Public Affairs Division, Brian Long, Director
Mailing Address:1001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1001
Physical Address: 2 West Edenton Street, Raleigh NC 27601
Phone: (919) 707-3001; FAX: (919) 733-5047

Agritourism farms hosting fun activities for the holidays

/by

Farms across the state are opening up to visitors for the holidays, offering choose-and-cut Christmas trees, winter hayrides, visits with Santa and other fun activities.

“Agritourism is a big part of North Carolina’s $84 billion agriculture economy,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “While many people may think about visiting farms during the spring or summer, the holidays can be a wonderful time to visit local farms with family and friends.”

Christmas Trees and Poinsettias

North Carolina is the second-largest producer of Christmas trees in the nation. Some choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms have already opened for the season, and even more are scheduled to open Thanksgiving weekend.

Almond Christmas Tree Farm (https://www.facebook.com/Almond-Christmas-Tree-Farm-887660978036003/) in Albemarle will open Nov. 25. The farm offers choose-and-cut trees, fresh-cut Fraser firs, wreaths, greenery and hayrides.

Hickory Creek Farm (https://hickorycreekfarmnc.com/index.html) in Greensboro also will open for the season on Nov. 25. On Dec. 3, the farm will have a Farm Antique Tag Sale with vintage items handpicked from N.C. farms available to buy.

Pardue Tree Farm (https://www.parduetreefarm.blogspots.com) in Sparta is open daily through Dec. 24. The third-generation family farm offers Fraser firs, handmade wreaths and garland.

On Dec. 4, Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse (https://www.mitchellsnursery.com) in King will have its Poinsettia Open House from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. The nursery grows 81 varieties of poinsettias, and will have more than 9,000 plants to choose from.

Holiday Events

Many farms offer special holiday programming for families to enjoy. Cukabury Farms (https://www.cukaburyfarmsllc.com/) in Fairmont will hosts its annual Christmas Light Show with hayrides through the farm, Christmas music and more. The light show takes place Dec. 2-17 on Fridays and Saturdays, and daily Dec. 19-23.

Hubb’s Corn Maze (https://www.hubbscornmaze.com/Christmas.html) in Clinton will air “The Polar Express” on Nov. 25 and 26. The event also includes visits with Santa.

Raised in a Barn Farm (https://www.raisedinabarnfarm.com/) in Chocowinity will offer Storytime with Santa, Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and holiday hayrides through downtown Washington starting Nov. 26.

Trosly Farm (https://www.troslyfarm.com/) in Elk Park will open a Holiday Farm Store and Market on Saturdays through Dec. 17. The market features handmade chocolates, local honey and farm-raised meats among other items.

Winery Events

North Carolina is home to more than 180 wineries, and several of them will host special events during the holidays. In Leicester, Addison Farms Vineyards (https://www.addisonfarms.net/handcrafted-christmas) will be hosting its annual Handcrafted Christmas event on Dec. 3 from noon to 5 p.m. The event features local crafters and artisans. Complimentary wine tastings also will be offered in exchange for a $10 donation to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.

Also on Dec. 3, Cypress Bend Vineyards (https://www.cypressbendvineyards.com) in Wagram will host a Christmas Open House. Guests can enjoy live music, Christmas treats and special merchandise from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Farm Animals

Through Dec. 18, Apple Hill Farm (https://www.applehillfarmnc.com) in Banner Elk will offer guided walking tours of its working alpaca farm Fridays through Sundays. Tours will run every hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is also a farm store with alpaca socks, yarns, hats, gloves, and other items.

Helpers of Our Farm (https://www.hoofnc.org), an educational farm animal sanctuary in Bolivia, will hold its Frosty Hooves fundraiser on Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds will help feed and care for the sanctuary animals through the winter.

Other Events

Plum Granny Farm (https:// www.plumgrannyfarm.com) and Buffalo Creek Farm and Creamery (https://www.buffalocreekfarmandcreamery.com), both located north of Winston-Salem, are teaming up for a Small Business Saturday Holiday Market on Nov. 26. More than a dozen vendors will offer a variety of gift items, from goat cheese and truffle butter to handmade jewelry and baskets.

On Dec. 10, Two Sisters Farmstead (https://www.twosistersfarmstead.org) in Candler will host its monthly Family Discovery Day. The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon, and allows families to experience farm life firsthand.

North Carolina is home to more than 700 agritourism farms. To find a complete listing of farms near you, go to www.visitncfarms.com.