Homepage

Feeding Families, Growing the Economy

Agriculture may be out of sight and out of mind at times, but its roots extend into our daily lives and provide fruitful, unexpected benefits.

Watch Now  Read More 

Enjoy a Safe Summer of Food!

Summer and food go together like strawberries and cream. From Memorial Day through the 4th of July and Labor Day, opportunities abound to reap the bountiful benefits of farmers markets, fresh produce and family gatherings! Check out our food safety videos to make the most of it - wash your hands first!

Previous Next

Homegrown

Food Safety When the Power Goes Out 

Homegrown

What Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean? 

Homegrown

The Safest Way to Wash Produce 

Homegrown

Why You Need to Wash Your Hands Around Animals 

Homegrown

Milk Safety and the N.C. Dairy Industry 

Learn and Explore

Discover the latest findings for the kitchen, garden and farm right here. We’ll share tasty, nutritious recipes and safe food prep tips; show you what’s in season and how it’s grown; and help you learn where your food comes from and what it takes to feed North Carolina.

In the Garden

From growing your own produce to composting your kitchen scraps, we’ll take you through the finer points of putting your green thumb to good use. Go ahead, get your hands dirty.

Most Recent More Stories

Growing Rhododendrons in North Carolina

Rhododendrons grace the mountains with colorful flowers, but new heat-tolerant varieties make it possible to grow this garden beauty across North Carolina. 

How to Become a Master Gardener Volunteer

Volunteers in the NC State Extension Master Gardener program help provide home gardeners with science-based gardening solutions. Learn how you can get involved! 

Growing Snow Peas and Sugar Snaps

Peas are a staple in every southern kitchen, and many different varieties can be grown right here in North Carolina. Learn more about sugar snaps and snow peas! 

In the Kitchen

Join us in the kitchen as we share nutritious recipes, expert cooking advice and food preservation tips to help you make the most of all our state offers.  

Most Recent More Stories

Make Your Own Fresh-Pack Dill Pickles

Making your own pickles lets you experiment with exciting ingredients and flavors at home. Your perfect pickle awaits, so let's get started! 

Kale and Napa Cabbage Slaw

Napa cabbage paired with kale and a zesty dressing make eating the Med way easy and delicious. Watch for the recipe and learn the chiffonade slicing technique as a bonus! 

How to Cook Seared Salmon

Cooking fish may seem intimidating, but it's easier than you think to whip up a quick, healthy salmon dish. 

On the Farm

We have a rich agricultural history in North Carolina, and the typical family farm is growing and changing all the time! Come with us as we meet some of the folks who are ensuring our food’s future.

Most Recent More Stories

Tickled About Pickles: The Story of Cucumbers in North Carolina

More than just a satisfying snack, cucumbers and pickles make up a significant slice of North Carolina's agriculture economy. Learn more about our state's pickle industry! 

N.C. Agriculture: Feeding Families, Growing the Economy

Agriculture may be out of sight and out of mind at times, but it's ever-present in our daily lives. And as an $87 billion industry, N.C. agriculture should never be taken for granted. 

Why You Need to Wash Your Hands Around Animals

Whether you're holding fluffy baby chicks at the fair (who can resist?) or petting your pooch, it's important to wash your hands! Find out why and how to do it well.