The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will hold its 20th annual Agricultural Development Forum on Thursday, Feb. 5, in conjunction with the Southern Farm Show. The event is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. and will take place in a special events tent near the Commercial and Education Building due to renovations in the Holshouser Building. Parking for attendees will be available in front of the Commercial and Education Buildings on Hillsborough Street and near the Special Events tent, accessible through Gate 1.
The forum’s agenda includes an economic and policy outlook for 2026 presented by Dr. Jeffrey Dorfman from North Carolina State University’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. David Smith, Chief Deputy Commissioner at NCDA&CS, will provide an overview of the North Carolina Ag Disaster Assistance Program.
Ryan Yates, Director of Policy at the American Farm Bureau (AFB), is set to give an update on national agricultural policy. USDA Under Secretary Dudley Hoskins will share his perspective on marketing and regulatory programs.
North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will present the Exporter of the Year award during the event. He will also deliver his annual State of Agriculture update in a conversation with Lynda Loveland, Communications Director at N.C. Farm Bureau.
The forum’s program opens with remarks from Commissioner Troxler, followed by a presentation of colors by the N.C. Forest Service and a pledge led by N.C. FFA State Officers.
A mult box will be provided for media sound access during all sessions.
