North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

Works to protect and improve soil and water resources throughout the state of North Carolina.

Works to enforce the meat and poultry/humane handling laws in the state of NC

Works to protect NC citizens regarding food and drug safety

Works to protect the health of the state's livestock and poultry population

Works to protect working family farms throughout the state

"To ensure adequate and quality forest resources for the state to meet its present and future needs; contributing ~$34.9 billion annually to the state's economy and providing ~ 148,000 jobs for North Carolinians."

Established by the NC General Assembly to provide credit, "originate, finance and service loans for persons operating family sized" farms in NC.

"Brings together current and historic data relating to NC agriculture; the collection and dissemination of agricultural statistics began in 1863, one of the oldest activities of the USDA."

"Environmental Programs advises the Commissioner of Agriculture, Chief Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture on environmental related issues associated with agriculture and agribusiness."

Typically held every October since 1853, the fair exhibits many NC agricultural products at the state fairgrounds in Raleigh, NC

18 Research Stations across the state to "manage crop and livestock facilities that serve as a platform for agricultural research to make farming more efficient, productive and profitable..."

"To ensure seed and fertilizer and other soil additives offered for sale in NC meet prescribed standards...and to protect the state's agriculture and natural environment from introduced pests" and non-native species

"Provides services to small, limited-resource and minority farmers who are traditionally underserved, provided through outreach and education...."