Source:  NCDA&CS, 4/1/11
 

A wide variety of products from eastern North Carolina farms will be on display at the Dig Into Local food show on Saturday, April 9, at the N.C. Azalea Festival in Wilmington.

A large group of local farmers who sell directly to the public through farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture subscriptions and online sales will offer goods for sampling and selling from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the food show is free.

The show will be held under a giant tent next to the Main Stage on the Front Street Parking Deck. Dig Into Local is hosting the Band of Oz from noon to 3 p.m. on the Main Stage.

“Dig Into Local further emphasizes the wide range of products coming from farms in eastern North Carolina, including locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats, honey and other items,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “When a farmer sells directly to a customer, both parties win. The customer gets the freshest, locally grown product at the peak of flavor, and the farmer returns more profits to his or her farm.”

Producers wishing to participate in the show should contact Dee Bartlett with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at (919) 707-3106. Participation is limited to North Carolina farmers who sell directly to the public. There is no fee to participate.

Dig Into Local is a series of food shows produced by the department’s Got to Be NC market development program to promote local fare. The shows are funded by a grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation, and are intended to increase the sales of locally grown farm goods and raise the profitability of farming through direct sales. The first show was held last year in Raleigh, with additional shows in April in Blowing Rock and Asheville.