Every March, we join N.C. A&T State University to celebrate the 39th Annual Small Farms Week and the contributions small farms make to their communities and the state. North Carolina is a small farm state with over 81 % of farms being 200 acres or less and 50 % being under 50 acres. Many of these are family-owned and operated businesses. This year Small Farm Week is March 23-29.
- Some people may not realize that this week we are celebrating the 39th Annual Small Farms Week, which was started by N.C. A&T State University to recognize the contributions that small farms make to North Carolina communities and the state.
- On Wednesday, as part of Small Farms Week I will attend the Small Farmers Luncheon where we will recognize one small farmer as the Small Farmer of the Year.
- I always enjoy highlighting North Carolina farms and farmers, so this is an event I look forward to each year.
- North Carolina is a small farm state, with 81% of farms being operated on 200 acres or less and 50% being under 50 acres.
- Most of these are family-owned businesses that help support other local businesses and organizations in their community as well as contribute to the overall ag economy of the state.
- I am especially proud that some of these small farm honorees are also Century Farms or Bicentennial Farms, which means the farm has been passed down through generations in a family for 100 or 150 years or more.
- That was the case of the 2023 honorees Joyce Martin Bowden and Jeanette Martin Horn, sisters who operate J&J Martin Produce Farms in Wayne County that traces its farm roots back to 1883.
- Bowden and Horn grow a wide variety of crops, including field peas, green beans, mustard and turnip greens, squash, onions, tomatoes and pecans.
- Since being named Small Farmers of the Year, the women have gained new customers who heard about their farm through news stories about the award. They have also been an inspiration to other aspiring small farmers.
- We can never recognize farmers in our state enough for what they do to ensure we have access to the freshest fruits, vegetables and proteins.
- Small farms are the backbone of the rural economy with farm dollars turning over many times in the local economy.
- The best way to celebrate our farmers is to support them by buying local when you shop. You can find fresh North Carolina produce and meats seasonally at farmers markets, roadside stands and in grocery stores.