Source:  NCDA&CS, 9/23/10

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is launching a new program designed to help travelers locate agritourism farms through the use of roadside signs.

“Our state’s agritourism farms are great community resources, entertaining visitors while also sharing our agricultural heritage and showcasing the importance of farming in our state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Signs at farm entrances will help visitors locate these agritourism operations along our rural country roads.”

Applications are now being accepted, and the signs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Agritourism farms can apply to purchase the 13-inch by 20-inch metal roadside signs for $20.

Farms that are interested in participating in the program must fill out a Goodness Grows membership application and a separate application for the agritourism farm sign and submit both along with a $20 check or money order. If an application cannot be approved or the farm decides not to enroll in the program before the application is processed, the sign cost will be refunded minus an administrative fee of $2.

More information and application forms are available on the agritourism website, www.ncagr.gov/agritourism under the link “North Carolina Agritourism Farm Signs,” or by calling Martha Glass at (919) 707-3120 or e-mail at martha.glass@ncagr.gov.