News

Jul 30, 2009

Educational 3rd-Party GAPs Audits

North Carolina Cooperative Extension, in partnership with the N.C. Fresh Produce Safety Task Force, invites North Carolina growers and educators to an educational Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) 3rd-party audit. The educational audit will help participants better understand audits and allow growers to prepare for their own 3rd-party audit for GAPs certification. 

Jul 29, 2009

N.C. State Announces $1.2 Million Value-Added Cost Share Program to Help Farmers

The N.C. State University Program for Value-Added & Alternative Agriculture, in cooperation with the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, announces the N.C. Value-Added Cost Share (NCVACS) program, which is designed to enhance rural economic development and strengthen farm families. This new $1.2 million effort is funded by the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission to support the development of value-added agricultural operations. 

Jul 20, 2009

NCVACS and Cooperative Development Pages Launched

The Program for Value-Added and Alternative Agriculture recently launched two new sections on this Website. These online resources for the North Carolina Value-Added Cost Share program (NCVACS) and Cooperative Development provide agricultural producers with information about a new funding opportunity for value-added enterprises and outline the steps for creating an agricultural cooperative. 

Jul 13, 2009

Table Grape Twilight Meeting in Granville County

July 30, 2009 at 6 p.m. Attendees of this free, open-to-the-public meeting can learn about seedless grapes being grown in Granville County, including the yields of different varieties of seedless grapes and how to grow them. A tasting will be offered at the twilight meeting as well. Hosted by the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service in Granville County and Doreathy Booth. 

Jun 23, 2009

N.C. State University Introduces Online Tools to Grow N.C. Farmers’ Businesses

The “Business Development Files,” for small- to mid-size farmers, offer step-by-step advice for those interested in building or expanding an agricultural business. This resource consists of seven files, or steps, that each provide guidance on various aspects of developing an agricultural business, from estimating market potential to marketing and promotion. 

Jun 23, 2009

North Carolina Blueberries

Blueberries are the top-ranked fruit crop in N.C. and they are the 16th ranked commodity overall for the state. A state record 28.5 million pounds of production yielded a value of roughly $50 million in 2008. That level of production places N.C. fifth nationwide for blueberries. Blueberries are a “superfruit” that possess a combination of exceptional antioxidant and nutrient qualities, which have led to an increase in demand recently. The National Blueberry Council provides additional resources. 

Jun 10, 2009

Zucchini 500 Has Fresh Produce Going Fast at the NCRC Farmers Market

Example of a Farmers Market Event that Draws a Crowd 

Jun 10, 2009

Workshops Focus On Fresh Produce Safety

Proper Handwashing Key to Food Safety 

Jun 10, 2009

Zucchini 500 Has Fresh Produce Going Fast at the NCRC Farmers Market

June 25, 2009 from 5 to 7 p.m. Children, start your imaginations! N.C. Cooperative Extension staff and N.C. State University host the first ever Zucchini 500 at the N.C. Research Campus Farmers Market. Children can create a race car from a zucchini – think pinewood derby – and compete for prizes in five categories. Bobby Waltrip, of the legendary Waltrip race family, will be on hand to call the races. 

May 18, 2009

Cooperative Extension Presents Free Events at the NCRC Farmers Market

N.C. Cooperative Extension staff from Cabarrus and Rowan counties will present fun-to-learn educational opportunities at the 2009 N.C. Research Campus Farmers Market. The events take place at the Farmers Market on Thursday evenings from 4 to 7 p.m. on West Avenue in Kannapolis. Events are scheduled throughout the 2009 Farmers Market, with the season ending on October 29.