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:
- Innovations to Advance the Agricultural Economy – This new program approved by the N.C. General Assembly in 2024, aims to address needs of the evolving agricultural economy with innovative research.
- Bioenergy Research Initiative – Approved in 2013, this program supports the research and development of agricultural and forestry-based feedstocks for bioenergy production, agribusiness development and cooperative research for biofuels production within the state.
- New and Emerging Crops – The mission of this program is to identify potential new crops and value-added products and then provide the agricultural research, marketing support and grower education needed to make these crops commercially viable options for North Carolina growers. Funding for this program was first allocated by the General Assembly in 2018.
"With a growing global population and new ag challenges every day, we will be looking at research for new ways to produce more with fewer resources and new crops that can boost the bottom line for growers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “These programs can help us move agriculture forward.”
The programs are organized under the NCDA&CS Research Stations Division. While not a requirement, research projects funded through these programs can be supported by one or more of the Research Stations Division’s 18 research facilities strategically located across the state.
Additional details, copies of the official requests for proposals, grant applications and required forms are available at www.ncagr.gov/divisions/research-stations/BRI/NECP/IAAE. Applications must be postmarked by Oct. 25. Questions about each program should be directed to the contacts above. For more information on the application process, contact Allison Medlin, at allison.medlin@ncagr.gov or at 919-693-2483.
-bhh-2,4