RALEIGH - North Carolina is known for its agriculture industry and that means changes in weather has a big impact on the state economy. And after a recent cold spell, state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler says state strawberry production has been affected.

"We had several freezes and we had to use road covers and irrigation to protect the strawberries from the frost and freeze," Troxler says.

Speaking with SFNToday.com, Troxler says there will still be a sizable strawberry crop in the state despite the weather.

"We came through and our growers are very adept at protecting these berries so we should have an ample supply this year," Troxler says.

Production has only been pushed back a week or two, Troxler says, and he says there will be enough for the upcoming state strawberry festival in Chadbourne.

"It starts April 29 and runs through May 2," he says. "If everything goes according to plan, I am going to attend the festival and enjoy the festivities there."

Agriculture is North Carolina's largest industry, bringing in more than $70 billion in recent years. And while the state is best known for products like tobacco and pork, Troxler says state-wide strawberry production is also quite high.

"Most people don't realize that we rank in the top five in the nation in the production of strawberries," he says.

Troxler also promotes the various "Strawberry Day" events at farmers' markets across North Carolina, with details at ncstrawberry.com.