Regional report.

• Position: Eastern - Brief article - Statistical data

With international demand rising, N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler says it's high time the ports at Morehead City and Wilmington exported more of the state's farm products. Last year, out-of-state ports shipped 70.5% of the total weight of Tar Heel agricultural exports, costing farmers more to get them there, and the state lost revenue from taxes and fees. An Agriculture Department study says lack of convenient highway access, inexpensive rail service and "functional" infrastructure discourage exporters from using the state ports.

$3.6 billion

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