Did you know that “Goodness Grows in North Carolina”? If that is correct (and there is a lot of evidence across this great state to back that up) then “It’s Got to be NC”. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture has combined these two marketing campaigns to provide a stronger marketing focus to increase awareness on how important it is to the local economy that consumers buy locally grown produce. By doing so not only does the farmer benefit but, so does the whole community. Besides, buying locally grown produce can mean better nutrition, better quality and better flavor because the produce is often fresher and allowed more time on the plant to reach full ripeness and maturity.
Each year in North Carolina the county and regional fairs have the opportunity to enter an exhibit which promotes supporting the local farmers in their respective communities. Buying locally grown produce is the goal from this Goodness Grows in North Carolina and It’s Got to be NC combined campaigns. The Commissioner of Agriculture gives out an award to the County and Regional Fairs that best promotes supporting local farmers each year at the annual NC/SC Fair Convention. This year’s winner was our own David Barkley with the Cape Fear Fair and Expo. David has worked hard and diligently to increase awareness for supporting local farmers and buying locally grown produce. This is the first time the Cape Fear Fair and Expo has won the award.
