Page updated June 12, 2008

Commissioner Troxler, Deans Wynne and Thompson pledge
to develop strategic plan for agricultural research stations

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, Johnny Wynne, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University, and Alton Thompson, dean of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at N.C. A&T State University, have agreed to jointly develop a comprehensive strategic plan for the management of the state's agricultural research stations.

In a June 10 letter to agricultural organizations, the three officials said: "We share a common vision of an agricultural research system that is efficient and up-to-date. We also share a continuing commitment to work together for the best future of North Carolina agriculture." [The complete letter is under the "Links" heading below.]

In May, a report by the General Assembly's Program Evaluation Division had recommended transferring ownership and management of all 18 stations to NCSU. The report also recommended closing seven stations and selling the land to generate one-time money for the state’s General Fund.

Agricultural groups and legislators quickly decried the recommendations, pointing out that the state's research stations are well-managed and that ag leaders in other states recognize North Carolina’s outstanding system of research as one of the best in the nation.

Commissioner Troxler believes that strategic planning with NCSU and N.C. A&T will lead to opportunities for economic efficiencies while maintaining the strong research program for which North Carolina is known.

What Ag and Commodity Groups Think (PDF Files)

Board of Agriculture
Ashe County Christmas Tree Assn.
Burley Stabilization Corp.
Carolina Farm Stewardship Assn.
Herbert Cheeks, Chairman of Clay County Board of Commissioners
N.C. Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts
N.C. Blueberry Council
N.C. Cattlemen's Association
N.C. Cotton Producers Association
N.C. Dairy Producers Association
N.C. Egg Association
N.C. Growers Association
N.C. Horse Council
N.C. Potato Association
N.C. Small Grain Growers Association
N.C. State Grange
N.C. Strawberry Association
N.C. Tomato Growers Association
Peak Creek Ruritan Club

Recent News Articles

Ag stations overhaul stalls (Asheville Citizen-Times, June 12, 2008)
State officials say no chance of closure at UM Research Station (May 30, 2008)
Rockingham research station defended as valuable to region (Madison Messenger, May 15, 2008)
Saving this farm could save many more (Smoky Mountain News, May 14, 2008)
Research plan stalled (Waynesville Mountaineer, May 13, 2008)
Study urges state to sell 7 research farms (Greensboro News & Record, May 12, 2008)
Agriculture research station closure plan questioned (Asheville Citizen-Times, May 9, 2008)
Border Belt's facility in Whiteville may close (Fayetteville Observer, May 8, 2008)
Legislature looks at closing Castle Hayne agriculture research facility (Wilmington Star-News, May 8, 2008)
Panel unlikely to back ag research center closure (Asheville Citizen-Times, May 6, 2008)
Supporters rally for test farm (Smoky Mountain News, May 5, 2008)
Farmers fight to keep station (Waynesville Mountaineer, May 5, 2008)
Farmers going to Raleigh to protest (Asheville Citizen-Times, May 4, 2008)
Board member Pitt concerned about budget cuts (Tarboro Daily Southerner, May 2, 2008)
Report suggests closing Reidsville research station (Reidsville Review, April 25, 2008)
N.C. may close agriculture research facilities (Asheville Citizen-Times, April 24, 2008)