Got to Be NC members represent the farmers and agribusinesses that produce our state’s agricultural products. Membership in the program not only allows us to bring our members’ goods to market and into the hands of consumers, it benefits North Carolina’s agriculture industry as a whole.

Through members-only events, trade shows, marketing initiatives and more, we support members of all sizes, from wholesale producers and processors to individual specialty food entrepreneurs.  The Got to Be NC program is a business development program.  It is designed to assist companies that are in business to grow and expand market share.  The program is not for the hobbyist.

Apply for Membership

Got to Be NC membership is made by application to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, and may only be claimed by qualified and approved producers or processors of North Carolina agricultural and food products.

Apply online for membership today!  You can view our membership criteria by downloading it here. Prospective members looking to download a paper application form can do so here.  Please note, paper applications take longer to process.

Current members should verify and update their member profile today – it’s as easy as following steps 1, 2, 3! Search the name of your business to confirm whether or not your company has been imported to our Find Local directory. If you are listed, simply follow step 2 to the form to update your existing profile.

For current members not listed: You are still a member! Because of the age and volume of the old member database, we launched the new site with a sampling of the total membership data that had been researched and vetted. The fastest and most efficient way for us to capture updated information on our members for the new Find Local directory is to have you fill out the new online application. This application feeds our new member profile center. The application is more in depth, but takes just 10 minutes to fill out. This will provide NCDA staff with the robust details and information needed to serve you better.

For information about membership, contact April Keeton, Got to Be Program Administrator. Please note, in order to maintain the integrity of the data on the site, prospective applicants should fully complete all sections since each application is vetted and researched before being uploaded. An application with all the pertinent information provided, will speed the process.

Member Opportunities

Explore grant initiatives and opportunities available from Got to Be NC and our partners.

Pinehurst Food & Beverage Vendor Showcase

In partnership with the 2024 U.S. Open Championship

Calling all Pinehurst, Moore County and North Carolina food and beverage vendors, purveyors and businesses!

Ridgewells Catering, the exclusive caterer for the 2024 U.S. Open, is looking for local partners to get involved as a part of their operation at the championship. While Ridgewells produces almost all of their own food from scratch on the golf course during the event, they are always looking for local products and services to incorporate into their menus to provide additional variety and support the local community.

The 2024 U.S. Open Championship will be held June 10-16 at Pinehurst No. 2.

Date: December 4
Location: Pinehurst No. 9, 1 Royal Troon Dr., Pinehurst
Set-up Time: Between 11-12
Event Time: Between 12-2
To Register: Email ccoffee@ridgewells.com with the following information
1.) Name of Business 2.) Name of Attendee 3.) Product/Service

What Ridgewells is looking for:
• Baked goods (small format desserts, breads, pastries), dressings/sauces/dips/condiments, cheeses, meats (house made sausage), deli meats, candies/chocolates, ice cream, snacks/packaged items (granolas, nut mixes), juices/beverages
• Companies with off-premise catering experience that may be interested in doing a “pop up” experience
• Ridgewells is happy to speak with anyone who has a local product/service that may be of interest and has the capability to deliver to the championship course for the event

What to Bring:
Product samples, equipment for display, a business card, and any additional company information that may be helpful

What to Expect:
A brief intro to Ridgewells, and an opportunity to present your sample(s) and meet with the Ridgewells team.
The clubhouse kitchen will be available, if needed, to prep and/or heat samples for presentation.

For Event/Registration Questions:
Carrie Coffee
Senior Manager-Major Events, Ridgewells Catering
ccoffee@ridgewells.com
301-907-3748