Many programs used to market, ensure food safety of North Carolina produce
Many programs used to market, ensure food safety of North Carolina produce
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services has a host of programs that enable growers to maximize the potential of their quality products. The department has regulatory responsibilities in the production and sale of most agriculture-related products. Furthermore, programs that market products locally and around the world are also used by the department.
North Carolina has a strong direct-market channel through various farmer-owned roadside stands, Community Supported Agriculture vendors, independent farmers markets and state-owned farmers markets. The department provides support for these through web promotions (www.ncfarmfresh.com), general media promotions and cooperative advertising when funds are available.
In addition to a strong direct market, retail and wholesale markets are taking advantage of the demand for local products and looking within the state to fill their shelves. Programs such as the Got to be NC and www.ncfreshlink.com are used to connect wholesale buyers to growers.
With all the demand for local and fresh, a further requirement for today’s consumer is safety. The department has a cooperative grading service that provides a fee-based Good Agricultural Practices certification service to in-state growers. This certification is sought by many buyers to ensure growers are using practices to reduce the risk of microbial contamination to their product from harvest to delivery.
These are a few of the many services that the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services provides to aid growers and buyers in the production of safe, healthy, fresh and local products. To learn more about these and other programs, visit www.ncagr.gov.