RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - The state Agriculture Department is hosting a forum to serve multiple purposes   including a look at North Carolina farm families and an information session on federal food safety rules.

The 11th annual Agricultural Development Forum will be held Feb. 4 at the state Fairgrounds. The topic of farm families and preparation for the future begins at 9:30 a.m.

At 1:30 p.m., the department will host officials with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for an information session about new federal rules developed under the Food Safety Modernization Act.

Speakers will include Michael Taylor, FDA deputy commissioner for foods and veterinary medicine, and representatives from the agency’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and Center for Veterinary Medicine.

Admission to both events is free and lunch will be provided, but registration is requested by Jan. 29. Register online at www.ncagr.gov/agforum.