Timeline: 1970-1979

 

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1970 ? New Soil Test Methodologies Begin to be Developed

Dr. Adolph Mehlich is hired as a consultant in soil test methodology in 1970. Over a period of 13 years, he developed three major extractants that are now used by soil testing laboratories worldwide.

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August, 1970 ? Horticultural Crops Research Station

The station in Clinton was developed to research horticultural products unique to Eastern NC with the hopes of improving yields on existing crops that would open markets and increase income for producers.


October 19, 1970 ? NC Century Farm Program

The Century Farm Program recognizes farm families who have maintained homesteads for a century or more. These farm families still own and tend land that has been in the same family 100 years. The work and dedication of these families has helped bring North Carolina to the forefront in the field of agriculture. The program, sponsored by the State Fair Division, was started in October, 1970 and is repeated every five years.

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1971 ? Cherokee Indian Food Distribution

A food distribution program was established on the Cherokee Indian Reservation by the Food Distribution Division to provide the Indian reservation with a balanced food package. When the eastern band of Cherokee Indians needed an agency to handle the administration of the Federal program for distribution of commodities, the Food Distribution Division took on the responsibility of operating this distribution program. It is one of the leading programs of its kind in the nation.

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1971 ? Seed Arbitration Process

On October 1, 1971, the North Carolina Seed Law was revised establishing an arbitration process for the review of seed performance complaints by farmers against seed dealers. North Carolina was one of the first states to establish such seed laws.

In 1998, additional authority was provided by the legislature to establish a Seed Board increasing the effectiveness of the arbitration process.

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April 8, 1971 ? North Carolina Meat Inspection Program Established

The North Carolina Meat Inspection Program, established voluntarily in 1962, was declared ?equal to? that of the federal inspection program, April 8, 1971. It now ranks as one of the strongest state inspection programs in the nation.

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July, 1972 ? Salisbury Warehouse Leased

The leasing of the current warehouse in Salisbury allowed the Food Distribution Division to better serve the recipient agencies in the western part of the state. Because of program size, foods needed to be sent to a central location for distribution to local agencies in western counties.

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January 16, 1974 ? Hog Cholera Eradication

The elimination of hog cholera from North Carolina was a major animal health event. It reduced production costs by eliminating vaccine costs and large losses from the disease. It permitted the movement of swine and pork within the state, to other states, and to other countries without major restrictions.

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1974 ? State Fair Entertainment

The tradition of providing free entertainment in Dorton Arena during the Fair begin in 1974. With the purchase of a fair ticket, North Carolina State Fairgoers are treated to concerts featuring major performers like Roy Clark, James Brown, Dottie West, Michael Jackson, Randy Travis and K.C. and the Sunshine Band.

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April, 1974 ? Agronomic Division Offers Expanded Range of Services

The Agronomic Division moved into the newly constructed Balletine Building in 1974. By July, plant/waste/solution analyses and nematode assay are offered in addition to soil testing. The first regional agronomist was hired in October. Today there are 14 regional agronomists located across the state.

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October, 1974 ? Management of 11 State Farm Units

In October, 1974, NCDA & CS began managing 11 state farm units across the state that formerly were operated by the Department of Health & Human Services. In 1986, these units were dedicated to the enhancement of the state?s research programs. Much of the faculty research is conducted at these facilities.

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1975 - Fairgrounds Facilities Become Year Round

With the addition of three major exhibit buildings (Scott, Graham, and Holshouser Buildings) during the early 1970?s, the stage was set for year-round rental and activity. The highly popular flea market became a year round activity. An average of more than two million people visited the fairgrounds annually in the late 1990?s.

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1975 - Ongoing Tobacco Research

With tobacco being the #1 commodity in NC for years, eight research facilities are dedicated to tobacco research. In July, 1975 and July, 1982, the Oxford Tobacco Research Station (Oxford) expanded its efforts with additional land purchases. In April, 1978, the Lower Coastal Plain Research Station (Kinston) was purchased to examine the problems of Granville Wilt and Tobacco Mosaic.

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August 20, 1975 ? Eradication of Pullorum/Typhoid in Poultry

On August 20, 1975, the eradication of Pullorum/Typhoid disease in poultry was completed, resulting in reduced bird losses, freer movement of breeding poultry and hatching eggs, and the further expansion of North Carolina?s poultry industry.

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1975 ? Opening of Dusseldorf, Germany Office

The Commissioner?s commitment to International Marketing was further noted when he joined the Governor, Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Transportation in opening the state?s first overseas office. Dusseldorf, West Germany was selected as the site and NCDA was a full partner in the venture. During the following 10 years, exports to this region increased dramatically and North Carolina became recognized as a true ?world player? in agricultural marketing.

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June, 1976 ? Addition to Motor Fuels Laboratory Completed

The additional space allows the program to expand the analysis of petroleum products to parameters critical to the evaluation of modern fuels.

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September 1, 1977 ? North Carolina Farmers Market

North Carolina has five Farmers Markets owned and operated by the Markets Division. These facilities serve as marketing and distribution centers for fresh fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and food products. The Western North Carolina Farmers Market near Asheville opened September 1, 1977. The Charlotte Regional Farmers Market opened in May, 1984. The relocated State Farmers Market in Raleigh opened May 6, 1991. The original, privately owned market opened September 23, 1955. The Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, located between Greensboro and Winston-Salem, opened May 19, 1995. North Carolina’s newest market, the Southeastern Agricultural Center and Farmers Market, located near Lumberton, opened June 5, 1999.

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1978 ? Fairgrounds Land Expansion

The North Carolina legislature approved funds for purchase of an additional 144 acres of land adjacent to the fairgrounds, expanding the fairgrounds to 344 acres.

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1979 ? Plant Protection and Conservation Act

The Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1979 provides for the conservation and protection of all plants native to North Carolina. This includes the preservation or restoration of native habitats.

The Plant Conservation Program also regulates the harvest of several wild native plants such as ginseng, goldenseal, and other herbs. In 1999, the collection and export of ginseng from North Carolina generated over $1.6 million.

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May 31, 1979 ? First Gasohol Sale

Commissioner Graham pumps the first gallon of gasohol sold in North Carolina at a Star-Flite station in Raleigh.

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July, 1979 ? Farm Feed Testing

A Farm Feed Testing Service Program was mandated. This program allows farmers to have their own farm-made feeds tested by the Division Laboratories for nutrient content and safety.

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July 1, 1979 ? Half-Pricing Regulations

On this date, the Board of Agriculture enacted emergency regulations to permit the half-pricing of gasoline. Half-pricing became necessary when the price of gasoline exceeded $1.00 per gallon. Gasoline dispensers were not capable of computing beyond 99.9 cents per gallon.