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Two years ago this week, Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina. It stripped topsoil from fields, flattened barns and fences, and washed away crops. Henderson County alone lost about 60,000 apple trees. Agricultural losses across the region have been estimated at as much as $5 billion. The recovery is real, but it isn’t finished. The way mountain agriculture is rebuilding is also changing. Across the region, farmers, processors and their partners are putting mon

Fall in North Carolina is idyllic: hay bales stacked into photo backdrops, the smell of kettle corn or apple cider donuts drifting across a gravel parking lot, and kids racing each other toward the "best" pumpkin in the patch. For most visitors, it's simply a fun family outing. But for the farm hosting them, that outing is often what keeps the lights on through winter — and for North Carolina's economy, it's part of a much bigger story. Agriculture Is Already NC's Backbone No

Farming in North Carolina dates back to approximately 8000 to 1000 BCE, when Native Americans established small, seasonal farming camps along fertile floodplains...

North Carolina's agricultural identity wasn't built overnight. The state's most iconic commodities each have their own unique history, shaped by changing markets, scientific innovation, and generations of farmers adapting to new challenges. From crops cultivated by Native Americans centuries ago to modern contract farming and university-led research, the story of North Carolina agriculture is one of constant evolution. Today, the state ranks among the nation's agricultural le

I need to tell you about something that's had me buzzing for the past week: purple honey. Yes, purple. Not amber, not gold — actual violet-hued honey, and as far as anyone can tell, it only shows up naturally in one place on Earth: the coastal plain and Sandhills region of North Carolina. Right here. In our backyard. Blye's Bees Purple Honey I stumbled across this local treasure while scrolling through Instagram, and I have not been able to stop talking about it since. Blye’s

The foundation of every crop begins with seed quality. The dedicated team at the NC Seed Laboratory protects both producers and consumers through rigorous testing for germination rates, seed purity, and overall quality. Among a farmer's worst nightmares is the disappointment that comes from sowing seeds that barely produce a sprout. Scientists at this lab work behind the scenes to ensure the seeds you buy deliver on their promises. Read on to learn how this lab, operated by t

Hi there! My name is Megan Hatfield, and I am the Program Manager for the NC Ag Partnership Foundation (NCAP Foundation). As we introduce our organization and its purpose, I’d also like to introduce myself. I’m a North Carolina native, born and raised in Wilmington, but currently residing in Raleigh! My husband, David, and I spend most weekends exploring our new city’s local greenways, farmers' markets, and coffee shops with our dog, Ruby. I enjoy Raleigh’s proximity to trail

North Carolina’s agriculture industry isn’t just a piece of our heritage—it is the backbone of our economy and our communities. It contributes more than $100 billion annually to the state’s economy and supports roughly one in every six jobs, touching the lives of more than 700,000 North Carolinians.