Source: NCDA&CS, 2/15/19

Matt Buchanan was recently elected president of the N.C. Association of Agricultural Fairs. The manager of the WNC Ag Center was sworn in during the association’s annual meeting held in Raleigh in January.

“Matt has shown considerable leadership over his more than 30-year career at the WNC Ag Center,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “I know he will bring those talents to the association, and I look forward to seeing how he assists the state’s agricultural fairs in his new role.”

The N.C. Association of Agricultural Fairs promotes agriculture throughout the fair industry, works with legislators to address issues related to fairs, offers educational opportunities and provides information on new trends in the industry. In addition, the association provides peer-to-peer networking, entertainment and vendor contacts, and workshops to improve all areas of operations. Buchanan has served as vice president of the association for the past two years and chaplain for four years.

As manager of the WNC Ag Center, Buchanan also manages the N.C. Mountain State Fair, which celebrated its 25th year in 2018. He says that agricultural fairs have changed, but what hasn’t changed are the things that keep fairgoers coming back each year.

“People still love animals, food and rides,” Buchanan said. “We work extremely hard to educate people about agriculture, and we strive to promote a friendly atmosphere where people can spend time with their families.”

Buchanan lives in Brevard with his wife of 27 years, Seline. They have two children, daughter Danielle, lives in Nashville with her husband, Trayce, and son Dylan, a junior at UNC-Chapel Hill.