November is Pecan Month in North Carolina, which usually signifies the busiest time of year for growers ahead of the holiday rush. However, in storm-damaged Eastern North Carolina, pecan growers are hoping to have any business at all.
“In an average year, North Carolina farmers grow 3 million to 5 million pounds of pecans. But 2016 was not an average year,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Many pecan growers are reporting 80 percent or more crop loss. We want to make sure that those growers are able to sell the crop they have left.”
That’s why the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the N.C. Pecan Growers Association are encouraging consumers to look for locally grown pecans this holiday season. Shoppers can look for the Got to Be NC logo on packaged pecans, visit their local farmers market or take a trip to more than two dozen pecan orchards across the state.
The pecan association offers an online directory to help consumers find local pecan orchards at www.buyncpecans.com. The website also includes pecan recipes and downloadable activities for children.
North Carolina is one of the top-10 pecan-producing states in the nation. While pecans are grown across the state, the majority of commercial orchards are located in eastern and southeastern counties.