Published by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
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Calling all Century Farms for 2024 reunion
Century Farm family members had the opportunity to visit with one
another and share stories at the last Century Farm Reunion.
The North Carolina Department of
Agriculture’s Century Farm Program
is looking for farms that have been
in continuous family ownership for
100 years or more to join the more
than 2,000 farms in the program. The
program exists to honor farms lor their
longstanding contributions to North
Carolina’s rich agricultural heritage.
Every four years, the N.C. State Fair
hosts a reunion to recognize Century
Farm families. This year’s reunion will
be held on Monday, Oct. 2 1.
“The Century Fann program was
first held at the 1 970 N.C. State Fair as
part of the fair’s Salute to Agriculture
theme," said Agriculture Commissioner
Steve Troxler. “Our longtime farm
families have been the backbone of
North Carolina's No. 1 industry and
I am looking forward to celebrating
them this year.
“Being part of our Century Farm
program is something to be very
proud of, as it speaks to the hard
work and dedication families invest
in keeping their farmland," Troxler
said. “I encourage anyone who is
eligible to apply to this program, and
I encourage all members to plan to
attend this year’s reunion”
There are 2,006 member farms
in the program, with 97 of the state’s
100 counties represented. “We'd love
to have Century Farms in all 100
counties, so if you have a qualifying
farm in your family or know of one
in Dare, Graham and Swain counties,
please fill out an application,” Troxler
said. Johnston County has the most
Century Farm members at 84, Sampson
County comes in second at 73 farms
and Robeson County rounds out the
top three at 70 farms in the program.
Century Farms represent a small
fraction of the total 42,817 farms in
North Carolina. The Buie Family is
one of the most recent additions to the
program. The farm is owned by 1 6
grandkids and great-grandkids of
the late Sampson Buie of Robeson
(See Century Farm, pg. 4)
Grants available for value-added production
Applications are now being accepted for the N.C. Agriculture Manufacturing
and Processing Initiative, which has been created to find and promote the
establishment of value-added agricultural manufacturing and food processing
facilities in North Carolina.
“This program will help create new opportunities for formers and agribusiness
owners and will also benefit consumers with locally produced foods and
products,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Value-added
opportunities help farmers capture more returns from their raw commodities
and this program continues our efforts to increase food production capacities
locally.”
The new initiative was established by the N.C. General Assembly in the
2023 session and will be administered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services.
Potential applicants are invited to contact NCDA&CS to discuss proposals
prior to applying to determine fit and for other guidance. Potential applicants
are asked to email the Marketing office at ncampi@ncagr.gov.
The program is intended to:
Provide support for agricultural processing opportunities that increase
jobs and local property tax bases across the state and/or reduce costs and
increase profit options for North Carolina farmers and growers.
Identify and assess opportunities to increase value-added processing
of commodities produced in the state and fill geographic and commodity
gaps across the state.
Market and recruit facilities to fill such gaps and meet such opportunities.
Support eligible entities with funding for eligible costs necessary to
create or expand North Carolina agricultural manufacturing facilities and
projects related to increased demand for agricultural products.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The guidelines,
application and supporting documents for NCAMP1 can be found at https://
www.ncagr.gov/divisioas/marketing/ncampi.
From the tractor
by Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler
Commissioner Troxler
This is an exciting time of the year.
There is so much activity happening
outdoors as plants reawaken, land
is being tilled, planting decisions
are taking shape, birds are building
nests, and spring colors are dotting
the landscape.
It’s one of my favorite times of year
because it signals new beginnings and
the start of another growing season.
After being inside during the winter, I
appreciate being able to get outdoors
and work in the dirt.
It is also when seasonal farmers
markets make their return and when
shoppers will find early season crops
such as strawberries, greeas, nursery
plants and flowers at markets and in
retail grocery stores.
The department operates four
regional farmers markets year-
round - the WNC Farmers Market
in Asheville, the Charlotte Farmers
Market, the Piedmont Triad Farmers
Market near Greensboro and the State
Farmers Market in Raleigh. But we
are fortunate to have local farmers
markets, farm stands and roadside
stands across the state, too.
Ifyou are looking for locally grown
produce, fruits and meats, there are a
lot of options, which means coasumers
have easy access to the freshest fruits
and vegetables available in season.
Many markets also host special
events highlighting the seasonal
offerings available. For example,
on April 19-21, the WNC Farmers
Market will host its Spring Festival &
Growing in the Mountain Plant Sale.
This event brings together the best of
spring in the mountaias, with produce
and products from farmers, growers
and makers, plus music, food, kids’
activities, demonstrations ofheritage
skills and a Local Cloth Fiberfest.
On May 5, the Charlotte Farmers
Matket will celebrate its 40th Anniversary
of serving farmers, agribusinesses,
consumers and restaurants in the
area. There will be free strawbeay
ice cream and cake to enjoy, plus
local breweries, distilleries, wineries
and meaderies will be on site offering
samples for adults 2 1 and over, plus
pairing beverages with a variety of
cheeses. There will also be activities
for the kids.
Forty years is quite a milestone,
but I learned recently that the
Henderson County Curb Market
goes back even longer, celebrating
its 100th anniversary this year.
Congratulations!
I want to encourage shoppers to
buy local when they caa Buying
local directly benefits North
Carolina farmers, which in turn
helps the local and state economy
and easure we maintain access to
a safe and affordable food supply.
Supporting our farmers means they
are there to support us with food
and fiber as well.
Whether you shop at farmers
markets, farm stands or grocery
stores, remember when you want the
best, it’s Got to Be NC Agriculture!
