Governor Proclaims Small Farms Week and Small Farmers' Appreciation Day

Small Farms Week

And

Small Farmers' Appreciation Day

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, North Carolina's small farms are the backbone of this State's rich agricultural heritage; through the years, small farms have survived economic and technological changes to provide a rigorous but rewarding way of life; and 

Whereas, the state ranks first in the nation in farm cash receipts for tobacco and sweet potatoes; second for poultry and eggs; and third for pork and trout. Along with these commodities, North Carolina's hardworking farmers produce cotton, soybeans, peanuts, hogs and pigs, nursery products, aquaculture products, and more; and 

Whereas, in terms of revenue generated, North Carolina's top five agricultural products are hogs, broilers (young chickens), greenhouse and nursery products, tobacco, and turkeys; and 

Whereas, despite changes in American agriculture, small farmers continue their role as leaders of North Carolina's agricultural tradition; and 

Whereas, since 1972, Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, in cooperation with North Carolina State University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and select county agencies, have helped lead the effort to provide assistance to the small farmers of North Carolina and have recognized and celebrated their many contributions;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim March 22 – 28, 2026, as “SMALL FARMS WEEK" and March 24, 2026, as "Small Farmers' Appreciation Day” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this second day of March in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.