Vegetable Spotlight: Garlic
December is time for cold weather, and the end of a growing season for many crops. However, there is …
Local Foods
The Union County Center Local Foods contact is Aaron Moore.
Sign up for Safe Plates for Food Manager in December!
Be sure to sign up soon for our Safe Plate for Food Managers course from December 9th-12th. This 3-day …
Vegetable Spotlight: Kale
What’s leafy, looks bumpy, and green all over? I believe that would be Kale! Which just so happens to …
Vitamins, Minerals, and their Sources!
Vitamins and Minerals are essential for several different processes in the body. We may know the common vitamins and …
Are You Getting Enough Fiber?
Fiber is a very important nutrient that benefits the body in many ways, from weight management to maintaining a …
Vegetable Spotlight: Beets
Today, we are putting the spotlight on a nutritious and delicious vegetable, which one of its most popular varieties …
Vegetable Spotlight: Pumpkins
Fall is soon upon us, and what better way to celebrate the cooler weather than celebrating the harvest of …
Coming Soon: September is National Honey Month!
In a few days we will enter into September, Autumn, cool weather, and celebrating honey! September is National Honey …
Last Chance: Sign up for EOCs - End of Summer Canning Series
We are getting close to our End-of-Canning Season Series in September. There is still time to sign up for …
Vegetable Spotlight: Okra
Today we are putting the spotlight on a classic southern vegetable, the okra! According to NC State Extension, Okra …
Fall Gardens
I know its August and we are still feeling the heat of summer but right now is the ideal …
Vegetable Spotlight: Peppers
Hello everyone, this is Marcus McFarland, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension in Union County. This …
Come to our Summer Can Jam Series!
Make sure you sign up for our Summer Can Jam series this July, as slots are filling up! There …
Vegetable Spotlight: Summer Squash
I always had the worse memories of yellow summer squash being boiled in a pot with onions. Up until …
Summer Can Jam Series in July!
Are you interested in learning how to preserve your own food at home through canning? Or maybe you just …
Growing Great Tomatoes
With the last days of frost around the corner many people are getting ready to plant summer gardens and …
Vegetable Spotlight: Radishes
Today we’re doing a highlight on a delicious cold-weather crop, the almighty Radish! According to the University of Illinois …
Late Blight of Tomato
Hello, this is Andrew Baucom, county director here at the Union County Agricultural Center. Even though it is only …
Herbs and Spices: Are They Different?
Increasing your herbs and spices in meals is great in capturing more flavor in your dishes as well as …
Small Farms-AgriShop Series & Academy
Don’t miss out on a great opportunity! The AgriShop Series and Academy will include workshops covering Heirloom Tomatoes, Ginger, …
Learn More Using the Resources Below
- Local Food -- a Flagship Program for North Carolina Cooperative Extension
- NC Community Gardens
- NC Fresh Produce Safety
Key Local Food Topics
- Local Food System Supply Chain
- NC Organizations and State Partners
- Nutrition and Health
- Strong Communities
- Youth, Families and Communities
Publications, Information, and News
- Backyard Flocks and Eggs (from poultry.ces.ncsu.edu)
- From Farm to Fork: A Guide to Building North Carolina's Sustainable Local Food Economy
- Growing Small Farms - NCCE Chatham County Center
Resources
Recent Publications related to Local Foods
Part 2: Cooling - Postharvest Handling and Cooling of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, and Flowers for Small Farms
Field heat should be removed from fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers as quickly as possible …
Growing Warm-Season Fruits and Vegetables in Childcare Production Gardens
This publication focuses on easy-to-grow, child-friendly, warm-season fruits and vegetables suitable for childcare center gardening. …
Creating Childcare Center Production Gardens
This publication focuses on developing fruit and vegetable production gardens in the Outdoor Learning Environment …
Growing and Cooking Fruits and Vegetables at Childcare Centers
This factsheet summarizes the benefits of fruit and vegetable gardening with children. It includes age-appropriate …
Eastern North Carolina Planting Calendar for Annual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs
In eastern North Carolina, almost any type of vegetable or fruit can be successfully grown …
11/11/19
Western North Carolina Planting Calendar for Annual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs
In western North Carolina, almost any type of vegetable or fruit can be successfully grown …
11/11/19
Central North Carolina Planting Calendar for Annual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs
In central North Carolina almost any type of vegetable or fruit can be grown successfully …
11/11/19
The North Carolina Winegrape Grower’s Guide
The grape and wine industry in North Carolina is now worth in excess of $30 …
11/7/19