Governor Proclaims Small Farms Week and Small Farmers' Appreciation Day 2023

WHEREAS, small farms are the backbone of North Carolina's rich agricultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, through the years, small farms have survived economic and technological changes to provide a rigorous but rewarding way of life; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina 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, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim March 26 – 31, 2023, as "SMALL FARMS WEEK" and March 29, 2023, as "SMALL FARMERS' APPRECIATION DAY" in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.