The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will hold its 20th annual Agricultural Development Forum on Thursday, February 5, as part of the Southern Farm Show. The event will focus on the agricultural economy and disaster relief programs for 2026.
According to the department, Commissioner Steve Troxler will deliver his annual State of Agriculture update and present the Exporter of the Year award during the forum. The agenda also includes a 2026 economic and policy outlook by Dr. Jeffrey Dorfman from North Carolina State University, a presentation on agricultural disaster assistance by David Smith, Chief Deputy Commissioner at NCDA&CS, and a policy update from Ryan Yates, Director of Policy at the American Farm Bureau.
USDA Under Secretary Dudley Hoskins is scheduled to provide comments on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs.
The forum will take place in a special events tent near the Commercial and Education Building due to ongoing renovations in the Holshouser Building. Parking will be available in front of the Commercial and Education Buildings on Hillsborough Street and near the Special Events tent. Entry is through Gate 1 on Hillsborough Street.
The event begins at 9:30 a.m., starting with a welcome from Commissioner Troxler, followed by presentations throughout the morning. The State of Agriculture conversation between Commissioner Troxler and Lynda Loveland, Communications Director for N.C. Farm Bureau, will conclude the program.
“Welcome, Steve Troxler, Commissioner of Agriculture,” states one agenda item.
