Navigating Your Food Business Success Series: Professional Development Opportunities Across North Carolina

Navigating Your Food Business Success Series: Professional Development Opportunities Across North Carolina

North Carolina food manufacturers, processors, and food entrepreneurs now have access to a free, statewide professional development series designed to strengthen business operations, improve food safety practices, and support long-term growth. The Navigating Your Food Business Success Series brings together industry experts, Extension professionals, and partner organizations to deliver practical training for businesses at every stage of development.

This program goes beyond basic food safety training. While safe food handling remains a foundational element of any successful operation, this series focuses on continuous improvement across the full spectrum of food business success. Topics are designed to help companies refine systems, strengthen compliance, and scale sustainably in a competitive marketplace.

Whether a business is just getting started or already operating within retail, wholesale, or food hub markets, the sessions are structured to provide actionable insights that can be immediately applied. From regulatory guidance to marketing strategy and financial planning, participants will gain tools to help them grow with confidence.

Webinar Series Overview

The Success Series webinars will be held weekly on Wednesdays with two convenient time options:
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Each session features subject matter experts covering key topics for food business development:

May 6: Got to Be NC with the NCDA Marketing Program
May 13: Marketing & Competitive Analysis
May 20: Grant Writing for Food Businesses
May 27: Taxes, Licenses, and Business Considerations with EDPNC
June 3: Labeling Do’s and Don’ts
June 10: Retail Foods, Food Trucks, and Other Opportunities
June 17: Third-Party Auditing Preparation

In-Person Workshops and Networking Opportunities

In addition to the virtual webinars, in-person evening sessions will be hosted in partnership with local Small Business Centers across Eastern, Central, and Western North Carolina throughout May and June. These regional workshops provide hands-on support and direct networking opportunities with industry professionals.

Participants will receive a new Food Safety Implementation Guide along with practical templates and recordkeeping tools designed to improve daily operations. Sessions will focus on key technical areas including personnel hygiene, written policy development, process controls, labeling and allergens, and recall planning.

Upcoming in-person events include:

Western Wake County: May 5
Registration: https://go.ncsu.edu/may5navigatingevent

Wilmington (Eastern NC): June 11 (registration details coming soon)

Additional regional events are currently being finalized.

Full registration information and updates are available here: https://foodsafetyprocessors.ces.ncsu.edu/find-a-training-course/

This series reflects a broader effort to support North Carolina’s food economy by equipping businesses with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to grow stronger, operate more efficiently, and remain competitive in an evolving marketplace.

Back to All Events Summer is almost here: Juicy Pork Brats

Savor the rich, flavorful taste of Crossings Pork Bratz, crafted from premium cuts for a delicious grilling experience.

A simple, flavorful way to prepare juicy pork brats…finished with caramelized onions and a rich simmer for extra depth.

Ingredients

• 4 Crossings pork bratwurst

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 large onion and bell pepper, sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup beer, broth, or water

• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard (optional, for added flavor)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• A pinch of brown sugar, or fresh herbs like thyme.

  Instructions

• Heat a large skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat.

• Add oil and let it get hot.

• Place the brats in the pan and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Avoid piercing them- this keeps all those juices inside.

• Add the sliced onions (and peppers if using) to the pan. Stir to coat them in the oil and let them begin to soften. Stir in garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Pour in the beer or broth, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover.

• Let everything simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the brats are fully cooked (internal temp 160°F).

• Remove the lid and transfer the brats to a plate. Let the onions continue cooking uncovered until the liquid reduces and they become soft and slightly caramelized.

• Stir in mustard and season onions with salt and pepper to taste.

• Serve Plate the brats with the onions on top.

• Serve on toasted buns or alongside potatoes, kraut, or fresh market veggies.

SHOP PIEDMONT FRESH >>

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#PiedmontFresh #EatLocalPiedmont #PiedmontEats #TasteThePiedmont #LocalFoodMovement #FarmToTablePiedmont #ShopLocalNC #SupportLocalFarms #NCFarmers #LocalMeat #PastureRaised #KnowYourFarmer #FreshFromTheFarm #SustainableEating #PiedmontFoodies #SimpleMeals #WeeknightDinner #EasyRecipes #HomeCooking #CastIronCooking #Bratwurst #SausageLovers #ComfortFood #FoodInspo #CookingAtHome

What’s the Food Network Up To?

What’s the Food Network Up To?

There’s always something happening with Davidson County Local Food Network—from expanding access to fresh local food, to supporting farmers, to building stronger connections across our community. Here’s a look at what we’ve been working on and what’s ahead.

Prescription Food Box Program

Piedmont Fresh is continuing its partnership with Davidson Medical Ministries to provide Prescription Food Boxes for community members who are unable to attend farmers markets in person.

This program delivers fresh, locally grown produce directly to individuals who need it most, helping improve access to nutritious food while also supporting local farmers. It’s a simple but powerful way to strengthen both community health and the local food system at the same time.

Join Our Work

We’re also excited to welcome individuals who are interested in gaining hands-on experience in local food systems, sustainable agriculture, and community programming.

Whether you’re passionate about food access, farming, or community impact, there are opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful work that directly supports our region. LEARN MORE >>

Thank You for Joining Us at the PEA Earth Day Event

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out and connected with us at the PEA Earth Day Event in Winston-Salem.

We truly enjoyed the conversations, the interest in our programs, and the chance to share more about local food and sustainability. Your support and engagement mean so much, and events like these continue to remind us how strong our community is when we come together.

Save the Date: Fall Farm Tour

Mark your calendars for one of our favorite traditions of the year.

Saturday, October 3, 2026
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

The 6th Annual Davidson County Farm Tour invites you to explore a curated selection of farms across the region during the peak of fall. It’s a chance to experience the beauty of the season, meet local farmers, and see firsthand where your food comes from.

Each stop offers a unique glimpse into the heart of our local food system during one of the most vibrant times of the year.

Volunteer Opportunities Available

We are always looking for passionate volunteers who want to be part of building a stronger local food community.

From supporting events to helping with outreach and programming, there are many ways to get involved and make a real impact.

EVENT DATE

Saturday, October 3, 2026
•1pm to 5 pm•

Early Bird Price $5 (by September 18th)
Car Pass $10 after September 18th. Good for a full carload of people.

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Volunteer

Proceeds goes towards Davidson County Local Food Network, working to build a stronger local food economy and healthy communities. Building access to healthy food for everyone.