Paul Jones
Paul covers the Got to Be NC, Goodness Grows in North Carolina and other marketing programs of the department. He has been with the department since 2010. He graduated from N.C. State University with a degree in communication and minor in nonprofit studies. In 2009, he interned with the Public Affairs Division as part of the North Carolina Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office's State Government Internship Program.
IMPEC grant has major impact on meat and seafood processors
In September 2020, Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler announced the creation of the Increasing Meat Production Efficiency and Capacity (IMPEC) grant program, administered by the NCDA&CS. The $20.25 million grant program aims to strengthen the meat supply chain and ensure
Connecting Communities During COVID-19: The Visit NC Farms App
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, has revealed the app’s true potential and continued success. Now, more than ever, consumers value local food purchases and supporting their local economies, creating a unique market for the Visit NC Farms app’s
Looking to sell ag products to the military? NCDA&CS offers webinars to show you how.
North Carolina is home to the fourth-largest military population in the nation, with more than 145,000 military personnel residing in the state. While it is easy to see the impact of the military on the state’s economy, learning how to
N.C. Specialty Foods Association celebrates 25 years
The N.C. Specialty Foods Association celebrated its 25th anniversary last month with a reception at the Angus Barn in Raleigh. The group, which promotes locally made gourmet food and specialty products, held its inaugural meeting at the Angus Barn on
Winners named in N.C. Specialty Foods Association’s 2018 Product Competition
The N.C. Specialty Foods Association announced winners in its 2018 Product Competition, held Sept. 7 in Bermuda Run. This year’s competition was one of the largest yet, with 82 entries submitted across seven categories. Mike D’s BBQ was named Grand
Recipe: Hyde County woman wins Thrill the Grill Challenge
The N.C. Vegetable Growers Association recently wrapped up its “Thrill the Grill Challenge”, which asked grill masters to submit their favorite grilled-vegetable recipes ahead of the summer cookout season. Lisa Chestnutt of Hyde County earned first place with her recipe
NCDA&CS offers grants for farmers markets
If your farmers market is thinking about promotions this year, consider applying for cooperative advertising funding from the department. The funds, which are made possible through a grant from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, will pay half of the
Grant funding available for agritourism farms
North Carolina farms that welcome visitors can take advantage of the 2018 Agritourism Marketing Cost-Share Grant available through the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Deadline for application has been extended to March 16, 2018. The $100,000 grant, which
Cultured Seafood Festival planned for March 9 in New Bern
Organizers have something special planned for this year’s N.C. Aquaculture Development Conference in New Bern March 7-10. On Friday, March 9, seafood lovers can take part in the Cultured Seafood Festival, an all-you-care-to-eat feast. Chef James “Smoke” Boyd, owner of
Five N.C. sparkling wines to try this Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, now is the time to plan a romantic evening for your special someone. If you’re looking for a way to make the night extra special, try uncorking a bottle of N.C. sparkling wine. We’ve