MEDIA KIT
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
(NCDA&CS) proudly presents the Visit NC Farms program, a dynamic initiative designed to bridge the gap between local farmers and consumers.
Through our user-friendly mobile app and website, we offer residents and visitors an immersive experience into North Carolina’s rich agricultural heritage.
By connecting individuals with local farms, markets, and agritourism activities, we aim to bolster local economies, educate the public about sustainable agriculture, and provide unforgettable experiences that highlight the state’s diverse agricultural offerings.
Explore the app. Learn about the state’s top industry of agriculture, local food and experiences connected to farms across North Carolina.
Get connected to local farms across North Carolina with the Visit NC Farms app!
Discover the heart of North Carolina’s agriculture with the Visit NC Farms app, a free, intuitive tool that connects you to local farms, farmers markets, u-pick operations, wineries, breweries, distilleries, farm-stays, and special events like harvest festivals, school field trips, and farm-to-table dinners.
Whether you’re seeking fresh produce, family-friendly activities, or a deeper understanding of where your food and clothing come from, the Visit NC Farms app makes it easy to explore and engage with the agricultural treasures in your own backyard.
What is the
Visit NC Farms program?
Launched in 2018 by NCDA&CS, the Visit NC Farms program is a statewide initiative designed to connect residents and visitors with local farms, fisheries, markets, and agritourism experiences. The program encompasses a mobile app and website that serve as comprehensive guides to North Carolina’s agricultural offerings.
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The Visit NC Farms app utilizes cell phone technology to help users discover nearby farms and activities based on their interests and location. Features include:
Explore Farms & Fisheries: Find local farms and fisheries offering tours, tastings, and educational experiences.
Farmers Markets & U-Pick: Locate farmers markets and pick-your-own produce farms.
Local Food & Drink: Discover wineries, breweries, distilleries, and farm-to-table dining options.
Lodging & Farm Stays: Find unique accommodations on working farms.
Tours & Trails: Follow curated itineraries highlighting agricultural regions.
Special Events: Stay informed about harvest festivals, workshops, and seasonal events.
The app is available for free on both Apple and Android devices.
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The program serves a diverse audience, including:
Consumers: Individuals and families seeking fresh, local produce and engaging agritourism experiences.
Farmers & Agribusinesses: Local producers looking to connect with a broader customer base and showcase their offerings.
Tourists: Visitors interested in exploring North Carolina’s agricultural heritage and participating in unique farm-based activities.
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Agriculture is the number one industry in North Carolina, contributing $111.1 billion to the state’s economy. The Visit NC Farms program supports this vital sector by:
Promoting Local Economies: Driving traffic to local farms and agribusinesses, thereby supporting small businesses and rural communities.
Educating the Public: Providing opportunities for consumers to learn about sustainable agriculture and the origins of their food and clothing.
Enhancing Tourism: Offering unique experiences that attract visitors and enrich North Carolina’s tourism landscape.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Visit NC Farms App Connects Families to Local Agritourism
March 26, 2025
RALEIGH, NC—The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is excited to announce the expansion of the Visit NC Farms app, a free mobile platform designed to connect residents and visitors with the state’s rich agricultural offerings. Since its launch in 2018, the app has grown to include over 2,400 agribusinesses across 86 counties, providing users with easy access to local farms, markets, and agritourism experiences.
“The Visit NC Farms app is a valuable tool for anyone planning unique experiences. You can even use the itineraries built right into the app. It's just a fun way to get outside and explore North Carolina’s diverse agricultural landscape,” said Erica Calderon, Agritourism Marketing Specialist at NCDA&CS. “Whether you’re interested in picking your own produce, attending a harvest festival or farm-to-table dinner, organizing a field trip, or staying on a working farm, the app makes it easy to find and connect with local agritourism.”
The app features a user-friendly interface that allows users to search for farms and activities based on their interests and location. Categories include farms & fisheries, farmers markets & u-pick, local food & drink, lodging & farm stays, tours & trails, and special events.
By promoting agritourism and supporting local farmers, the Visit NC Farms app helps strengthen rural economies, preserve farmland, and offer families and visitors meaningful ways to connect with where their food and fiber come from.
The app is available for free download on both iOS and Android platforms. Learn more and explore North Carolina farms near you, at visitNCfarms.com.
About the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) works to promote and protect the state’s agriculture industry, the largest sector of North Carolina’s economy. Through programs like Visit NC Farms, the department connects residents and visitors to local farms, fresh food, and agritourism experiences, supporting rural communities and preserving the state’s agricultural heritage. Learn more at ncagr.gov
Media Contact:
Erica Calderon, Agritourism Marketing Specialist
North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Meet the Team
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Agritourism Marketing Specialist
Erica Calderon brings a wealth of experience in agriculture and hospitality to her role as Agritourism Marketing Specialist at NCDA&CS.
She manages the agritourism marketing program, including the statewide Visit NC Farms initiative, aiming to promote farm tourism across North Carolina.
She’s dedicated to connecting consumers with local farms and expanding the program’s reach and impact.
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Statewide Administrator
Alisha Street serves as the Statewide Administrator and Content Creator for the Visit NC Farms program.
Her passion for supporting farmers and getting quality, nutrient-dense food to her community inspired her to start a food justice non-profit, The Bulb.
Alisha is committed to food accessibility, and community engagement. She works on a vegetable farm where she focuses on growing flowers, and she loves exploring our state’s agritourism experiences with her children.
Learn how it’s…
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North Carolina farmers grow a variety of specialty crops - from apple varieties to strawberries to pumpkins. Find their goods at a farm stand or at your local farmers market.
Find out what crop are in season now > -
Cows, chickens, llamas, goats, and more! Find farm animals near you >
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Seafood Markets on the coast of North Carolina offer fresh crab, fish, oysters, and more. Search the coastline on the map on the app to find fisheries. See some of our featured fisheries here >
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Shop for goods that are produced by farmers by finding their products on the app! Utilize the search button to find specific products. See some of our featured products here >
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Are you traveling from out of state? Are you looking for a weekend getaway or a family day trip? Itineraries are the perfect feature in the app to plan your trip. Wine tastings, corn mazes, markets, restaurants, and more!
Navigating the App
NEED A SNEAK PEEK?
Watch the video to show you what you’ll find in the app! Thanks to Lee County for making the video. Get connected to North Carolina Farms.
Discover Active Counties
FOLLOW US @VISITNCFARMS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FARMS, FISHERIES AND WHAT’S IN SEASON
Thank You to our Sponsors!
The N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services launched the Visit NC Farms app in 2018 as a pilot program. With the help of the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, the initiative is expanding statewide to connect millions of residents and visitors with local farms & fisheries, local food & drink, farmers markets & u-pick, value-added through local shops, farm stays & lodging, tours & trails and special agricultural events across the state to include your county/region.
