By ERIN R. EURE

Northeast Commercial Fruits and Vegetables Agent – NC Cooperative Extension Service

“Got To Be NC” announces two new, free opportunities for produce growers, meat producers and fishermen to meet one-on-one with buyers from retail and food service companies.

On Feb. 23, the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will host Publix Super Markets, Pate Dawson-Southern Foods and The Produce Box in the Scott Building at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.

Through this meeting, you’ll have the chance to meet in short, 15-minute sessions with buyers across produce, meat and seafood categories.

Registration is required, and the deadline for registration is Feb. 6.

Go to ncstrawberry.us7.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=c1b6937f07328c70497919f49&id=88b021ce01&e=2763c2fe81 to complete the registration form.

The department also is pleased to partner with Harris Teeter to offer two special events for produce growers, meat producers, and fishermen.

The first will be held March 2 in the Holshouser Building at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Another event will be held March 3 at the Harris Teeter Learning Resource Center, located at 200 Distribution Drive in Greensboro.

The Harris Teeter events include a presentation from the company, information on GAP certification, a catered lunch and one-on-one meetings with buyers across produce, meat and seafood categories at both events.

Registration is required, and the deadline for registration is Feb. 6.

Go to ncstrawberry.us7.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=c1b6937f07328c70497919f49&id=7ca61aa366&e=2763c2fe81 to complete the registration form.

These events are made possible through a grant from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. They are just some of the events we have planned for 2017. We hope you will take advantage of these opportunities to market and grow your business.

If you have questions about the above events, please email agexpo@ncagr.gov.