LAUREL SPRINGS – N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and other dignitaries will light a ceremonial Christmas Tree to signal the start of the state’s annual Christmas tree harvest Wednesday at the Upper Mountain Research Station in Laurel Springs. The event is being held at the Research Station’s Tobacco Trust Fund Christmas Tree Seed Center, a soon-to-be completed facility that will help establish a North Carolina Fraser Fir Christmas tree seedling source for growers.
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RALEIGH -The N.C. Department of Agriculture plans to award up to $1.5 million in grants for research projects that aim to advance agriculture and the agricultural economy in North Carolina. With that goal in mind, the department is requesting grant proposals that fit into any of the following programs:
RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced today that nine research projects that focus on helping specialty crop growers manage disease and adverse weather conditions, and that look at new plant varieties that could grow better in the state were awarded over $1.16 million in specialty crop block grant funding.
RALEIGH – Thirteen agricultural research projects are receiving a total of $1 million in grants from the N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative and the New and Emerging Crops Program – programs of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The projects aim to boost bioenergy opportunities and crop production in the state.
Two programs of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will host a day-long series of information sessions on April 13 to highlight recent investments in agricultural research.Researchers will discuss some of the projects that have received grant money through the Bioenergy Research Initiative and the New and Emerging Crops Program. They will also share potential economic possibilities.
Seven projects aimed at boosting crop production and farm income in the state are receiving half a million dollars in grants from the New and Emerging Crops Program. “These projects represent an investment in the future of North Carolina agriculture, as these projects seek to develop new opportunities for farmers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This research will help farmers explore the viability of certain crops in the state, with the goal of boosting the overall ag economy.”
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Nonprofits and government agencies wishing to apply have until March 3 at 5 p.m.Applicants can submit a draft application for staff review by Jan. 25 to gain feedback on their grant proposals. A pdf of the draft application should be sent to jenni.keith@ncagr.gov.
WHO/WHAT:The Upper Mountain Research Station in Laurel Springs will host a groundbreaking on Friday for a new Christmas Tree Improvement Center. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will join station superintendent Tracy Taylor, researchers, cooperative extension staff, growers and funders for the milestone event.WHEN/WHERE:Friday, Nov. 1810 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.(Lunch will follow with additional information and networking.)
Ten specialty crop projects, including seven through N.C. State University, will receive more than $1.35 million in grants through the Specialty Block Grant Program administered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and funded by USDA.
The N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative and the New and Emerging Crops Program are seeking 2022 grant proposals that support each program’s mission.