After hard year, state farmers showcase local goods at Got to Be NC Festival

The Got to Be NC Festival in Raleigh allowed farmers, many of whom are struggling after a stormy fall and a wet winter, to show off their products to people looking for local goods and fun times.

Posted 3:50 a.m. May 19, 2019 — Updated 3:50 a.m. May 19, 2019

Kasey Cunningham

, WRAL reporter

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina’s agriculture and agribusiness industries are worth $92 billion, but in the past few years, hurricanes like Florence and Michael have taken a toll on many of the state’s farmers.

The Got to Be NC Festival in Raleigh allowed farmers to show off their products to people looking for local goods and fun times.

“We’ve had the worst year we’ve ever had, with the wet in the winter and the cold,” said William Baldwin, of Baldwin Family Farms. “We’ve lost more animals, more costs – the worst year we’ve ever had.”

Baldwin Family Farms, in Yanceyville, raises grass-fed beef without antibiotics or genetically modified organisms.

Other farmers at the festival said the year has been tough, but they used the opportunity to put their best foot forward and show off everything they have to offer.

From peanuts to wine to BBQ sauce to beef, dozens of vendors were selling products made in the state.

The festival also has family-fun activities like a tractor parade, rides, racing pigs and a lawnmower pull.

The gates open Sunday at 10 a.m. Parking and general admission is free, although admission to the food, wine and beer marketplace is $3 for adults.

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