Accomplishments of North Carolina Department of Agriculture under Commissioner Steve Troxler’s Leadership:
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Since 2005, we have experienced a 29 percent increase in the agriculture and agribusiness industries. These industries today contribute nearly 80 billion dollars every year to North Carolina’s economy.
In the last 10 years the value of North Carolina agricultural exports to other markets has nearly doubled, and now amounts to $4.2 billion in North Carolina products exported around the world.
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The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund has also been a focus during the past decade. Since 2005, the Trust Fund has conserved more than 10,000 acres of working farms and forests from development through conservation easements.
The Trust Fund has also provided funding for 47 agricultural development projects including farmers markets, livestock facilities, marketing programs, shared-use equipment programs and other agriculture and agribusiness initiatives.
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Fifteen Voluntary Agricultural Districts and 38 farmland protection plans have been funded by the Trust Fund.
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The “Got To Be NC” agricultural marketing program has been a huge success, and has achieved national recognition. The campaign started as an extension of the “Goodness Grows in North Carolina” program to raise awareness of agricultural products grown, raised, caught or made right here in North Carolina.
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Meat and poultry farmers raise animals, take them to a slaughter plant for processing and then sell the meat directly to consumers. With more control over the process as registered meat handlers, consumers are able to enjoy fresh, wholesome, local meats. In 2002 there was only one farmer registered as a meat handler. As of last year, the division had registered 850 farmers.
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Other initiatives under Commissioner Troxler’s leadership include Operation Brighter Day, Hay Relief, Pollinator Program, Ag Forum and the Food Safety Taskforce.
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In 2011 the General Assembly showed its confidence in Commissioner Troxler by transferring the North Carolina Forest Service, Soil and Water Conservation, Sleep Products and Grade A Milk Inspection to the Department of Agriculture
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