In January 2020, the Pitt County Farm and Food Council held its first Farmer Appreciation Event recognizing the economic impact, daily importance and success of Pitt County agriculture.
In January 2020, the Pitt County Farm and Food Council held its first Farmer Appreciation Event recognizing the economic impact, daily importance and success of Pitt County agriculture. Then six weeks later, we saw our nation change under the burden of the pandemic, and our dependence and appreciation of local agriculture deepened even further.
We were fortunate to have our Leroy James Farmers Market operating as an essential food source. Farmers supplied us with local vegetables, meats, eggs, and baked items when grocery stores were struggling. As local restaurants and school cafeterias changed direction, the pipeline for many food products like dairy, seafood, specialty vegetables, and meat pivoted as well. We saw school lunch delivered by school busses, and local organizations providing food boxes for many who were in a new place - hunger and food scarcity. Our farmers have continued to do what they do best - produce from the soil and water the essential products that feed and clothe us every day. We are grateful for their investment in their craft, their knowledge of nature, and their willingness to social distance from the seats of their tractors, no matter what the weather, to provide for all of us.
The farmers are grateful for Pitt County residents as well - from shopping at local markets, visiting u-pick farms, slowing down for tractors, and appreciating the work of local farmers. North Carolina Cooperative Extension salutes our farmers and consumers of Pitt County. Through our research-based education, Extension works to improve the productivity and sustainability of all types of North Carolina farmers. Through our work with 4-H, we are preparing the next generation of farmers and consumers. As we continue to provide food preparation and nutrition education, we are helping everyone learn how to prepare safe and nutritious meals. It is our honor to serve the residents of Pitt County, farmers and consumers alike.