Beth Pugh Farrell

Bio

Beth Pugh Farrell joined the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in 2010 and is currently serving as an Agricultural Programs Specialist. From February – May 2022, she was appointed as Acting Director, Marketing Division. In this role, she is making contributions to a broad range of activities to strengthen and enhance agriculture in the state that directly impact farmers and agribusiness. Additionally, Beth works with North Carolina farmers and industry on a variety of topics including public relations, international and domestic marketing. A native of Piney Creek, NC, Beth developed a deep passion and appreciation for agriculture on her grandparents’ dairy and burley tobacco farms. Prior to joining NCDA&CS, she worked for 8 years at the N.C. Agricultural Foundation, focusing on 4-H and Extension fundraising efforts. She holds a B.S. in Animal Science with a minor in Poultry Science from N.C. State University. Outside the office, Beth has held numerous leadership positions in the Junior League of Raleigh, N.C. Agri-Women , Capitol Grange, N.C. 4-H Honor Club, American Agri-Women, and Sigma Alpha Alumni Association. She also serves on the board of directors of the Tobacco Growers Association of N.C., Feed the Dialogue N.C., the N.C. Agricultural Foundation, N.C. State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Alumni & Friends Advisory Board, N.C. A&T State University College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences Advisory Board; N.C. Biotech Center Board of Directors, and N.C. Ag Biotech Advisory Council. She is also a member of the N.C. State Alumni Association, N.C. State Grange, N.C. Farm Bureau, Wake County Agribusiness Council, and Sigma Alpha Alumni Association. Beth also volunteers with Global Hope India, serves at Hope Community Church, and has completed the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Agricultural Leadership Development Program, the Junior League of Raleigh’s Capital Leadership Initiative, and Syngenta’s Leadership at its Best program. In 2019, she was recognized by Sigma Alpha Sorority with the Spirit of Ruth Award, recognizing alumnae who embody the spirit of Ruth through active involvement, leadership, and commitment to the field of agriculture. She also received an Honorary FFA American Degree and was recognized by the Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina with their 2020 Distinguished Service Award. In 2022,Beth was elected as a Wake Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor. She has also had the opportunity to serve on several leadership development focused short term mission trips to India and Haiti. Beth and her husband, Kevin, reside in Cary, N.C., and enjoy cheering for the N.C. State Wolfpack. They also have established Pack House Farm, a pick-your-own blueberry and heirloom blackberry farm near Jordan Lake, NC.