N.C. State University's Program for Value-Added & Alternative Agriculture will become N.C. MarketReady, effective Oct. 20. "We are excited about this new name," said Dr. Blake Brown, the director of the program. "The new name, N.C. MarketReady, more accurately communicates the scope of our program's work."
One of the first tools released by N.C. MarketReady will be the Fresh Produce Safety – Field to Family training curriculum to help fruit and vegetable growers across the state minimize fresh produce safety risks. The training manual will be distributed statewide in November to Cooperative Extension agents who will offer workshops for growers. The training manual focuses on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), including what it takes to obtain GAPs certification, and managing risks from field to market.
Pittsboro, N.C.
December 3, 2009, 6 to 9 p.m.
Anyone thinking about forming a cooperative in agricultural or horticultural fields is welcome to attend this free event. The workshop is intended to train potential and existing cooperative board members about the function of the cooperative and its officers.
North Carolina consistently ranks in the top 10 states in production of new and improved pecan varieties. North Carolina produces three to five million pounds of pecans annually. There are approximately 2,000 acres of pecans in North Carolina and most are managed as commercial orchards. The demand for N.C. pecans is increasing as consumers and major shellers realize the quality available from well-managed North Carolina orchards.
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