RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler has appointed Eddie Pitzer of Fremont as director of the Research Stations Division at the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. His appointment is effective immediately.
Pitzer, a 30-year employee of the department, had been superintendent of the 2,200-acre Cherry Research Farm in Goldsboro since 1999. He succeeds Dr. Sandy Maddox, who retired Aug. 1.
“Eddie Pitzer understands the importance of research in helping North Carolina farmers meet the many challenges they face,” Troxler said. “He has the experience, management skills and vision to lead this crucial division as it assists our research community in developing new agricultural practices and technologies that benefit our farmers and citizens.”
The NCDA&CS Research Stations Division manages 18 agricultural research facilities across the state, operating in a unique partnership with N.C. State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and N.C. Agricultural & Technical State University. The stations conduct a variety of research into crops, new production techniques, conservation efforts and animal husbandry.
Pitzer joined the department in 1977 as assistant superintendent at Cherry Farm. He holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in livestock management and technology from the N.C. State University Agricultural Institute, and also studied business administration at Wayne Community College. He is a graduate of North Carolina’s Certified Public Manager Program.
Pitzer lives on a small farm with his wife, Bonnie. The couple has two sons, Josh and Andrew; a daughter-in-law, Amy; and a grandson, Eli. Pitzer is active in the community, serving as secretary/treasurer of the Wayne County Livestock Development Association Inc. and president of the Wayne County Cattleman’s Association. He also is a member of the Wayne County Extension Advisory Council.
His honors include a 2006 Commissioner’s Award for Excellence in Innovations, the 1998 State Friend of Extension Award and the Outstanding Service Award from the Wayne County Livestock Development Association Inc. in 1994.
Press Release Compliments of NCDA&CS
To read more, please visit the Goldsboro News-Argus.