Source: NCDA&CS, 1/30/18

WHO/WHAT: The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is hosting a free event for farmers and agribusinesses during the annual Southern Farm Show. The 13th annual Ag Development Forum will focus on international trade, ag labor and the 2018 economic outlook for N.C. agriculture. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will also present the Exporter of the Year award and deliver his State of Agriculture address.

WHEN/WHERE: Thursday, Feb. 1, 9:30 a.m.
Holshouser Building, State Fairgrounds, Raleigh

AGENDA*: 9:30 a.m. – “Agricultural Economic Outlook,” Drs. Michael Walden and Blake Brown, economists at N.C. State University

10 a.m. – “Ag and Trade Issues: A Washington Perspective,” Randy Russell, The Russell Group. 
10:45 a.m. – “Successful Exporting of NC Commodities,” panel discussion with Kelly McIver, executive director, N.C. SweetPotato Commission; Andy Curliss, CEO, N.C. Pork Council; Bill Graban, CEO, Prime Lumber Company; Mike Ligon, vice president of corporate affairs, Universal Corporation.  
11:45 "Exporter of the Year Award," presented by Commissioner Troxler
Noon – “Special Video Message on Ag Labor,” U.S. Congressman Bob Goodlatte, chairman, House Committee on the Judiciary
12:10 “Special Video Message,” U.S. Senator Thom Tillis
12:15 p.m. – Commissioner Troxler’s State of Agriculture address

*All times are approximate.