Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) is a state government agency dedicated to promoting and supporting the agricultural economy of North Carolina while ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. Headquartered in Raleigh, NCDA&CS plays a pivotal role in the regulation, development, and marketing of agricultural products, and in ensuring consumer protection across various sectors.

Historical Background and Mission

Founded in 1877, NCDA&CS has evolved into a comprehensive agency that not only manages agricultural production but also oversees environmental stewardship, food safety, international trade, and consumer standards. Under the leadership of Commissioner Steve Troxler, the department’s mission is to foster economic growth through agriculture while protecting the health and interests of the state's population.

Core Functions and Services

NCDA&CS offers a broad spectrum of regulatory, promotional, and developmental services that span across multiple divisions:

Regulatory Services:

• Food and Drug Protection Division: Ensures safety and labeling compliance of food, drugs, and cosmetics.
• Pesticide Division: Oversees safe usage and registration of pesticides.
• Structural Pest Control Division: Regulates pest control practices to protect public health and property.
• Veterinary Division: Implements animal disease control and health programs.
• Plant Industry Division: Safeguards crops through pest monitoring and control.

Marketing and Economic Development:

• Agricultural Marketing Division: Assists farmers in marketing their produce within the state.
• International Marketing Section: Promotes North Carolina agricultural products in global markets.
• Got to Be NC Program: A highly recognized branding campaign promoting North Carolina-made food, fiber, and forestry products.

Environmental and Resource Management:

• Soil and Water Conservation Division: Supports conservation programs that protect natural resources.
• Forest Service: Provides forest management, wildfire prevention, and conservation services across 18 million acres of forested land.

Consumer Services and Public Protection:

• Standards Division: Inspects gas pumps, commercial scales, and measuring devices to ensure consumer fairness.
• Weights and Measures Program: Certifies accuracy in packaging, labeling, and transaction measurements.
• Emergency Programs Division: Prepares for and responds to agricultural emergencies including natural disasters and animal disease outbreaks.

Economic Impact and Reach

North Carolina’s agriculture and agribusiness industry, supported in part by NCDA&CS, represents the largest sector of the state’s economy, contributing over $103 billion annually and employing over 17% of the state’s workforce. The state is a national leader in:

• Poultry and egg production (1st in U.S. for turkey production)
• Tobacco (top 3 producer)
• Sweet potatoes (1st in U.S. with over 60% of total U.S. production)
• Hog farming (2nd in U.S.)
• Christmas tree production (2nd in U.S.)

Export and Trade Initiatives

NCDA&CS is instrumental in facilitating agricultural exports through trade missions, international marketing expos, and foreign buyer engagement. Key exported commodities include pork, poultry, tobacco, soybeans, cotton, and forestry products.

• 2022 North Carolina agricultural exports: Estimated at $4.1 billion
• Top international markets: China, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the European Union
• Active participation in USDA's Market Access Program (MAP) to enhance export opportunities for North Carolina producers

Certifications and Compliance

The department enforces numerous state and federal regulations to ensure safety, quality, and transparency in the food and agricultural supply chain. It supports farmers in obtaining certifications such as:

• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
• Organic Certification Support
• Harmonized GAP
• USDA Process Verified Programs

Infrastructure and Facilities

NCDA&CS operates several state-run facilities and labs including:

• Food and drug labs in Raleigh for product testing
• Agricultural research stations across the state
• Farmers markets in Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro
• Veterinary diagnostic labs
• Agronomic services lab offering soil, plant tissue, and water testing

Educational and Promotional Campaigns

The agency actively engages in public awareness and education initiatives through:

• The Got to Be NC Festival held annually in May, attracting over 50,000 visitors
• School nutrition programs and farm-to-school initiatives
• Food safety outreach and certification training
• Online resources, toolkits, and business development support for emerging agripreneurs

Achievements and Recognition

• Played a vital role in mitigating agricultural impacts during Hurricane Florence and COVID-19 disruptions
• Recognized nationally for its integrated pest management and forest fire mitigation programs
• Hosts one of the largest state fairs in the country, the North Carolina State Fair, which supports local farmers and agribusinesses

With a workforce of over 1,800 employees and a multi-faceted mandate, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services continues to be a cornerstone institution driving agricultural excellence, sustainability, and economic growth across the state and beyond.