“Agriculture remains the number one industry in Wayne County, generating $1.036 billion for the local economy, and represents 20.5% of the county’s total employment with 8,916 jobs. We are calling on the community to join the opportunity to celebrate the rich history and legacy of the Ag community, while highlighting the incredible advancements that continue to feed the world”, states Kevin Johnson, County Extension Director. In addition to the induction of the Agricultural Hall of Fame, we are pleased to partner with the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce’s Agricultural Affairs Committee to present the Ag Producer of the Year and Ag Advocate of the Year Awards”, Johnson said.

The highly anticipated annual Farm-City Banquet that is typically held in November had to be canceled this year due to the restrictions for large gatherings as a result of COVID-19. However, the award honorees will be presented during the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce’s Virtual Agriculture Luncheon on Tuesday, October 27th.

There are three nominations being accepted through October 9th:

• The Wayne County Agricultural Hall of Fame will induct two individuals and they can be either living or deceased.
• The Ag Producer of the Year will be awarded to a farmer/agribusiness person in Wayne County that has used innovative or sustainable practices to enhance his/her operation during the previous/current year.
• The Ag Advocate of the Year in which will be awarded to an individual within the community that has promoted agriculture in a positive way throughout the year. This award can be given to a farmer/agribusiness person or a non-agriculture person that supports agriculture.

2020 Wayne County Agricultural Hall of Fame Nomination Form here

Ag Producer and Ag Advocate of the Year Award Nomination Form here

Please return Wayne County Agricultural Hall of Fame nomination forms to Kevin Johnson, County Extension Director, PO Box 68, Goldsboro, NC 27533-0068, or the Wayne County Extension Center, at 3114 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, no later than Friday, October 9, 2020.

Please return Nominations for the Ag Producer of the Year and Ag Advocate of the Year to the attention of Kate Daniels, Wayne County Chamber of Commerce President, PO Box 1107, Goldsboro, 27533, or email to [email protected], no later than Friday, October 9, 2020. Forms may be accessed at Waynecountychamer.com, or by calling (919) 734-2241.