Governor McCrory Celebrates Agriculture Facility Expansion | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Timberlake, N.C.     Governor Pat McCrory joined local and state officials to break ground on a new green storage facility for the U.S. Flue-Cured Tobacco Facility in Person County today. The new 150,000 square foot building will be the first of its kind in North Carolina.

    "This groundbreaking is evidence that the future of agriculture is bright in North Carolina," said Governor McCrory. "Our continued investments in agriculture and efforts to block federal overreach that would hurt farmers make North Carolina one of the best states for in the country for agriculture."


    The Connect NC bond introduced by Governor McCrory and overwhelmingly passed by the voters in March invests more $179 million for new agricultural research labs in the state. Additionally, the governor has increased transportation funding to help agricultural products get to the market faster.

    With these investments, along with the Governor's N.C. Food Manufacturing Task Force, the economic impact of agriculture and agribusiness is poised to reach $100 billion.

    In addition $2 million has been added to the Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, which will help preserve family farms. Governor McCrory's administration has also worked to block federal over-reach that would hurt farmers, including the EPA's Waters of the United States Rule.

    During the event, the governor highlighted ways the state is assisting farmers whose crops were affected by Hurricane Matthew. The governor said he is working closely with Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler to support our farmers who have suffered loses. Those in affected farmlands who require assistance can call the Agriculture Disaster Hotline at (866)645-9403.

• Contact: McCrory Communications
•     govpress@nc.gov