December 5, 2011 

Steve Troxler, the Browns Summit family farmer who has led the North Carolina Department of Agriculture since 2005, announced today that he would be a candidate for re-election as Commissioner of Agriculture in the 2012 election.

Troxler announced his intention to seek re-election during a meeting of the North Carolina Farm Bureau in Greensboro.

“Even during the recession, agriculture and agribusiness have remained a bright spot in North Carolina’s economy, and I want to continue to work hard to strengthen our number one industry,” he said.

 “I believe we need a steady hand at the helm of the Department of Agriculture to deal with not only the economy but the tremendous damage our farms suffer during hurricanes and other natural disasters,” he added.

He pledged that “If the people of North Carolina honor me by electing me to another term as your Commissioner I’ll give it my best every day just as I have for the past seven years.”

A Guilford County native, Troxler owns and operates Troxler Farms in Browns Summit. He has received numerous awards both professionally and personally, including the Outstanding Young Farmer in North Carolina award from the North Carolina Jaycees, Hero to Kids Award from the Greensboro News-Record, and most recently the Distinguished Service award from the NC State Agriculture Foundation. He just served as President of the Southern Association of Departments of Agriculture during 2010-2011 and will be the incoming president of the National Association of Departments of Agriculture in September, 2012.

Troxler received his B.S. degree in Conservation from NC State University in 1974. He and his wife, Sharon, have two sons, Shawn Troxler and Jeremy Troxler, daughters-in-law Margaret Troxler and Lauren Troxler, and three grandchildren.