North Carolina

NC AgrAbility staff exhibited at the Southern Farm Show in Raleigh from February 1-3. The event had over 400 exhibitors and is a "can't-miss" for farmers, allied professionals, and landscapers. It is the largest agricultural exposition in the Carolinas and Virginia. NC AgrAbility staff provided informational materials and had the chance to offer direct services to several of the attendees. Eleven people signed on to the NC AgrAbility listserv.

The Gold Start Grower annual meeting February 2, in Raleigh, NC, was hosted by the Agriculture Safety and Health Bureau of the NC DOL, and it highlights growers who do their best to provide a good stay for migrant farmworkers. NC AgrAbility and several other programs that serve the needs of farmworkers were invited as exhibitors to provide more information to the 137 growers that attended the meeting. NC AgrAbility was able to interact with many growers and obtained a referral for direct services.

The Guildford County Cooperative Extension Community Garden Program hosted the Seeds to Share events in Greensboro (February 4) and in High Point (February 11). The event gathered many urban farmers and hobby gardeners, as well as groups supporting local foods and fighting food deserts, who were exchanging seeds and knowledge. NC AgrAbility was invited to promote safety in farming and gardening among exhibitors and participants. The event was attended by 170 participants who had the chance to try tools, ask questions, and receive educational materials. Twenty-three signed up to be added to the NC AgrAbility listserv.

Submitted by Beatriz (Betty) Rodriguez