RALEIGH (AP) — North Carolina’s longest-serving commissioner of agriculture is being inducted into the state’s Agricultural Hall of Fame on the fifth anniversary of his death.

The late Jim Graham, who died in 2003 at age 82, served as agriculture commissioner from 1964 to 2001, rising from his rural beginnings on a Rowan County farm to his record-setting tenure in government, where he was affectionately called “The Sodfather.”

Graham helped developed five state-owned farmers markets and three agricultural centers across the state and began a state agricultural marketing program.

Officials said the invitation-only ceremony honoring Graham will be held Thursday afternoon at the N.C. Museum of History auditorium.

Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler will preside over the ceremony. Former state attorney general and secretary of state Rufus Edmisten will be among the speakers.

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