Research center buildings in Mills River

Sep 18, 2024

USDA Funds NC State Specialty Crop, Organic Research

Learn more about $18.3 million in new U.S. Department of Agriculture funding for NC State research on nursery crop automation, Christmas tree genetics, carbon storage in soil, and organic farming research priorities.

Dec 20, 2022

Making Scents: North Carolina Christmas Tree Fragrances

If you go to any candle retailer this time of year, you will likely find balsam, pine and cedar scents. But what about North Carolina's Fraser fir? The Fraser fir essential oil is currently sold to niche markets but could soon become a holiday staple.

a group photo in front of the N.C. PSI holiday tree

Dec 19, 2022

N.C. PSI Decks the Halls with First Holiday Tree

The 15-foot-tall, 500-pound tree in the NC State University Plant Sciences Building builds community among researchers and highlights North Carolina agriculture.

Dec 5, 2022

Scientists Prepare for Exploding Christmas Tree Seeds

A new seed facility will help NC State researchers prepare for the next generation of Fraser fir Christmas trees selected for their superior traits.

The official 2021 White House Christmas tree on display in the the Blue Room

Dec 1, 2021

How to Produce a Grand Champion Christmas Tree

Over the years, the White House has selected a North Carolina Fraser fir for its annual Christmas Tree. But what does it take to produce a Grand Champion Christmas Tree? The secret comes from NC State.

Christmas trees growing in North Carolina.

Nov 18, 2021

Expert: Demand for NC-Grown Christmas Trees Will Remain High

N.C. Christmas tree growers are hustling to meet an expected high demand this year, according to an NC State expert in Ashe County, North Carolina.

A hand beginning to pour a mug full of egg nog

Dec 11, 2020

CALS’ Quick Guide for the Holidays

You’re four steps away from a brighter, better-tasting season.

Rodolphe Barrangou, professor and co-founder of TreeCo, with genome edited poplars.

Jun 2, 2020

NC State Spin-off TreeCo To Breed a Better Forest

TreeCo, start-up company founded by by two NC State researchers, is setting out to revolutionize the forestry industry by combining insights from tree genetics with the power of genome editing.

Rolling field planted with Christmas trees

Dec 23, 2019

Oh, Christmas Tree

NC State Extension, the College of Natural Resources and the state agriculture department work together to literally seed the future of North Carolina’s Christmas tree farms.

Farmer in overalls and cap discussing his poinsettias

Dec 19, 2017

Grant Helps Farmer Develop a Christmas Destination

Kevin Gray has Christmas trees galore on his farm, and, with the help of NC State Extension, he’s growing a greenhouse full of poinsettias.