Blooming with Hope: Celebrating North Carolina Agriculture and the Promise of Easter

The magic of Easter mornings in North Carolina remain a vivid memory for myself and many of you — the dogwoods bursting into bloom, pastel skies that stretch over towns and rolling fields. The joyful chatter of children during egg hunts. For me, Easter is more than just a day on the calendar; it’s a personal reminder that just as spring rejuvenates the earth, Christ’s resurrection fills our lives with renewed hope and everlasting promise.

Gathering around an Easter table abundant with our state’s local bounty feels truly special. I can almost taste the sweet potatoes—a cherished symbol of our region—the tender greens nurtured in our rich soils, and the glazed ham all filled with the warmth of family tradition. These dishes are more than sustenance; they reflect North Carolina’s enduring agricultural heritage.

Over the years, I’ve been continually inspired by the unwavering dedication of our farmers. Consider the care taken by the families—over 5,700 of them—who raise the chickens that provide the eggs so vividly transformed in our Easter celebrations. Or reflect on our proud hog production, where North Carolina ranks second in the nation, a legacy maintained through a blend of time-honored practices and innovative techniques. Each farm in our state is a living testament to resilience and hope—a narrative of renewal that resonates deeply, just as the Easter story gently touches us.

Spring in North Carolina is a season of abundant transformation. I marvel at how single seeds, purposely planted, can evolve into flourishing fields. In much the same way, the quiet of Good Friday gives way to the exuberance of Easter Sunday. From tractor rides through budding orchards to the harvest of vibrant blueberry bushes, every moment in spring connects us more deeply to the land and to our hardworking farm families who nurture it, echoing the promise of new beginnings.

This Easter, as I help dye eggs and savor the flavors of our homegrown delights, I am filled with gratitude. I am thankful for the families whose tireless efforts sustain a $111 billion industry that goes far beyond mere numbers. Their work is about community, tradition, and the personal bonds that tie us to our state’s rich heritage. I invite you to join me in celebrating these gifts—to pause, savor, and thank those who bring nourishment to our tables and hope to our hearts.

So, as the sun rises tomorrow on Easter morning , let us embrace together the vibrant tapestry that is North Carolina—woven from faith, agriculture, and the everlasting promise of renewal. Happy Easter, and may your day shine as brightly as the fields that surround us.

Peter Daniel
Chairman, North Carolina Ag Partnership