On October 7th, 2024 the Golden LEAF Foundation welcomed new Data Manager Arianna Kidder.

“We are excited for Arianna to join the team to help carry out the mission of Golden LEAF,” said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer. “Arianna’s skills and expertise in data management will be an asset to the Foundation’s work.”

In her role, Kidder will support the management of Golden LEAF’s grant award data and scholarship program data. As data manager she will also ensure accuracy and reliability of the information for outreach, reporting, and programmatic initiatives across various platforms.

Prior to Golden LEAF, Kidder began her career as a high school teacher in Atlanta, as a Teach for America Corps Member. She spent many years helping schools and other non-profit organizations in leveraging their data for strategic decision-making and transformative impact. 

Kidder holds a bachelor’s degree in Global Development Studies and Economics from the University of Virginia, and a master’s degree in International Educational Development from the University of Pennsylvania.

A California native, Kidder currently lives in Raleigh with her husband and son.

 

Name: Emma Godwin
County from: Wilson
Current College/ Years Attended: East Carolina University (2021-2025)
Major: Communications, Public Relations
Minor: Hospitality Management 

Follow Emma on LinkedIn by clicking here.

What does it mean to you to serve as an intern at Golden LEAF?
To serve as a Golden LEAF intern means participating in giving back to rural, tobacco dependent counties like the one I come from. Growing up in a tobacco dependent county with my father’s family having roots in tobacco farming, I knew I wanted to be a part of an organization that gave back to communities like mine. I think it is important to be a part of an organization that improves the lives of North Carolinians who are in economically distressed parts of the state. 

What have you learned that you didn’t think would be a part of internship work?
Some things I have learned that I didn’t think would be a part of the internship work is researching articles written about Golden LEAF and seeing the specific funding that contributes to the progression of workforce preparedness and economic growth. 

What are some of your favorite things you do as an intern at Golden LEAF?
One of my favorite things I do as an intern is writing articles for newsletters and social media. I am gaining practical experience writing for an organization which will benefit my future career goals. I also like learning about how Golden LEAF has done so much for their scholars and counties they serve.

Describe Golden LEAF in three words.
Passionate. Benevolent. Honorable.

What type of work do you want to do after your internship?
After my internship, I would like to do work in publicity and help organizations manage their brand. Helping individuals or organizations is a strong passion of mine. I’m excited to use my skills in PR to help organizations share their good work with their audiences.

Would you like to share any words of advice for prospective interns?
Keep your head up and your eyes open. Everyone at the foundation wants you to succeed and are always open to lending a hand. This internship will teach you multiple skills, help you progress in your future career and provide networking opportunities that are invaluable.

 

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C., (October 3, 2024) – Today, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $18.6 million in funding to support workforce preparedness, job creation and economic investment, agriculture, scholarships, and food distribution assistance. The Board awarded $13,000,000 to support a project through the Economic Catalyst Program, $2,267,634 to support six projects through the Open Grants Program, and $297,154 in increased funding for the Food Distribution Assistance Program. The Golden LEAF Board also approved $3,116,173 in funding for the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority to administer the Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship. 

Golden LEAF Board member Johnathan Rhyne of Blowing Rock announced his intention not to seek another term on the Golden LEAF Board after his term expires in November. Mr. Rhyne was appointed to the Golden LEAF Board of Directors in 2012.

“We would like to thank Johnathan Rhyne for his 12 years of service on the Golden LEAF Board of Directors,” said Ralph Strayhorn, Golden LEAF Board Chair. “Johnathan has served as our Board Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary and has been an invaluable member of the Board. His commitment to the mission and expertise will be missed.”

Golden LEAF’s 15-member Board of Directors is appointed by the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House.

The Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded $13 million to Wilson Community College for training equipment that will be used to support the location of a major biomedical manufacturing company, Johnson & Johnson, in Wilson County. The State has appropriated $30 million for the training center. Johnson & Johnson will create 420 quality jobs, paying an average annual wage of over $108,000 and make a capital investment of over $1 billion.

“The Golden LEAF Board was proud to provide funding for the training center operated by Wilson Community College,” said Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton. “The center will provide the knowledge and skills needed to work for Johnson & Johnson and other employers in the region. This announcement is a major win for eastern North Carolina.”

Additionally, the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority was awarded $3,116,173 by the Golden LEAF Board to administer the Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship. This award will support 215 new scholarships and 600 renewal scholarships. Golden LEAF scholarship recipients are eligible for up to $3,500 per year.

The Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded six projects totaling $2,267,634 in Open Grants Program funding. These projects will support workforce preparedness projects in Brunswick, Clay, Cherokee, Edgecombe, Graham, Greene, Hyde, Nash, Jackson, Tyrrell, and Washington counties, and an agriculture project in Pitt and surrounding counties.

• $175,000 to Christian Recovery Centers in Brunswick County for property upfit, to purchase utility and transport vehicles and supplies, and for advertising that will support the establishment of a property maintenance and remodeling social enterprise in response to the surging residential development in Brunswick and surrounding counties.
• $500,000 to the Eastern North Carolina Food Commercialization Center in Pitt County to support the acquisition of processing equipment for its value-added food production center in Ayden.
• $499,708 to Greene County Schools for construction of a horticultural building and for equipment to expand the animal sciences, agriculture sciences, and auto mechanics Career and Technical Education programs at Greene Central High School.
• $115,000 to the Health Education Foundation of Eastern North Carolina in Nash County for staffing, mentors, and outreach/marketing to support the expansion of the Young Civic Leaders initiative which is managed by the Rural Opportunities Institute.
• $477,926 to HIGHTS in Jackson County for personnel, travel, paid work-based learning experiences, and other participant support services for a new workforce project, Career Connect, for vulnerable youth in Clay, Cherokee, and Graham counties and the Qualla Boundary. 
• $500,000 to Washington County Schools for equipment, supplies, student transportation, instructional resources, professional development, and renovations to establish the Hyde, Tyrrell, Washington Career Tech Innovation Center at the Washington County Early College High School in Creswell.

The State of North Carolina previously appropriated $10 million to Golden LEAF for the Food Distribution Assistance Program. This program is funded by federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds through the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Funds may be used for grants to nonprofit organizations to assist organizations in becoming eligible to be partner agencies of a North Carolina food bank or enhancing or expanding the capacity of current partner agencies of North Carolina food banks. Funds may also be used for grants to nonprofit organizations to assist organizations in establishing a school-based weekend food assistance program or enhancing or expanding the capacity of current school-based weekend food assistance programs.

The Golden LEAF Board approved $297,154 in additional Food Distribution Assistance Program funding to support 11 existing projects in Greene, Buncombe, Chatham, Catawba, Harnett, Macon, Durham, Cabarrus, Vance, Wake, and Wilson counties. Click here for information on the organizations that received increased Food Distribution Assistance Program funding.

Since 1999, Golden LEAF has funded 2,300 projects totaling $1.3 billion supporting the mission of advancing economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed communities. 

About Golden LEAF

The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to receive a portion of North Carolina’s funding from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers. For 25 years, Golden LEAF has worked to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural and tobacco-dependent communities through leadership in grantmaking, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship as an independent and perpetual foundation.

The Foundation has provided lasting impact to tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and rural areas of the state by helping create 68,000 jobs, more than $780 million in new payrolls, and more than 98,000 workers trained or retrained for higher wages.

For more information about Golden LEAF and our programs, please visit our website at GoldenLEAF.org.

###

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C., (October 3, 2024) – Today, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $18.6 million in funding to support workforce preparedness, job creation and economic investment, agriculture, scholarships, and food distribution assistance. The Board awarded $13,000,000 to support a project through the Economic Catalyst Program, $2,267,634 to support six projects through the Open Grants Program, and $297,154 in increased funding for the Food Distribution Assistance Program. The Golden LEAF Board also approved $3,116,173 in funding for the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority to administer the Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship. 

Golden LEAF Board member Johnathan Rhyne of Blowing Rock announced his intention not to seek another term on the Golden LEAF Board after his term expires in November. Mr. Rhyne was appointed to the Golden LEAF Board of Directors in 2012.

“We would like to thank Johnathan Rhyne for his 12 years of service on the Golden LEAF Board of Directors,” said Ralph Strayhorn, Golden LEAF Board Chair. “Johnathan has served as our Board Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary and has been an invaluable member of the Board. His commitment to the mission and expertise will be missed.”

Golden LEAF’s 15-member Board of Directors is appointed by the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House.

The Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded $13 million to Wilson Community College for training equipment that will be used to support the location of a major biomedical manufacturing company, Johnson & Johnson, in Wilson County. The State has appropriated $30 million for the training center. Johnson & Johnson will create 420 quality jobs, paying an average annual wage of over $108,000 and make a capital investment of over $1 billion.

“The Golden LEAF Board was proud to provide funding for the training center operated by Wilson Community College,” said Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton. “The center will provide the knowledge and skills needed to work for Johnson & Johnson and other employers in the region. This announcement is a major win for eastern North Carolina.”

Additionally, the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority was awarded $3,116,173 by the Golden LEAF Board to administer the Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship. This award will support 215 new scholarships and 600 renewal scholarships. Golden LEAF scholarship recipients are eligible for up to $3,500 per year.

The Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded six projects totaling $2,267,634 in Open Grants Program funding. These projects will support workforce preparedness projects in Brunswick, Clay, Cherokee, Edgecombe, Graham, Greene, Hyde, Nash, Jackson, Tyrrell, and Washington counties, and an agriculture project in Pitt and surrounding counties.

• $175,000 to Christian Recovery Centers in Brunswick County for property upfit, to purchase utility and transport vehicles and supplies, and for advertising that will support the establishment of a property maintenance and remodeling social enterprise in response to the surging residential development in Brunswick and surrounding counties.
• $500,000 to the Eastern North Carolina Food Commercialization Center in Pitt County to support the acquisition of processing equipment for its value-added food production center in Ayden.
• $499,708 to Greene County Schools for construction of a horticultural building and for equipment to expand the animal sciences, agriculture sciences, and auto mechanics Career and Technical Education programs at Greene Central High School.
• $115,000 to the Health Education Foundation of Eastern North Carolina in Nash County for staffing, mentors, and outreach/marketing to support the expansion of the Young Civic Leaders initiative which is managed by the Rural Opportunity Institute.
• $477,926 to HIGHTS in Jackson County for personnel, travel, paid work-based learning experiences, and other participant support services for a new workforce project, Career Connect, for vulnerable youth in Clay, Cherokee, and Graham counties and the Qualla Boundary. 
• $500,000 to Washington County Schools for equipment, supplies, student transportation, instructional resources, professional development, and renovations to establish the Hyde, Tyrrell, Washington Career Tech Innovation Center at the Washington County Early College High School in Creswell.

The State of North Carolina previously appropriated $10 million to Golden LEAF for the Food Distribution Assistance Program. This program is funded by federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds through the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Funds may be used for grants to nonprofit organizations to assist organizations in becoming eligible to be partner agencies of a North Carolina food bank or enhancing or expanding the capacity of current partner agencies of North Carolina food banks. Funds may also be used for grants to nonprofit organizations to assist organizations in establishing a school-based weekend food assistance program or enhancing or expanding the capacity of current school-based weekend food assistance programs.

The Golden LEAF Board approved $297,154 in additional Food Distribution Assistance Program funding to support 11 existing projects in Greene, Buncombe, Chatham, Catawba, Harnett, Macon, Durham, Cabarrus, Vance, Wake, and Wilson counties. Click here for information on the organizations that received increased Food Distribution Assistance Program funding.

Since 1999, Golden LEAF has funded 2,300 projects totaling $1.3 billion supporting the mission of advancing economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed communities.

About Golden LEAF
The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to receive a portion of North Carolina’s funding from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers. For 25 years, Golden LEAF has worked to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural and tobacco-dependent communities through leadership in grantmaking, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship as an independent and perpetual foundation.

The Foundation has provided lasting impact to tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and rural areas of the state by helping create 68,000 jobs, more than $780 million in new payrolls, and more than 98,000 workers trained or retrained for higher wages.

 For more information about Golden LEAF and our programs, please visit our website at GoldenLEAF.org.

Contact:

Jenny Tinklepaugh
Communications and External Affairs Manager
[email protected]
252.801.1370

 

Scott T. Hamilton Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer; Ted Lord, Senior Vice President/General Counsel; and other Golden LEAF staff will attend the annual NC Chamber Ag Allies Conference on October 11 from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the McKimmon Conference & Training Center in Raleigh. The Ag Allies Conference serves as a critical forum for leaders in agriculture to come together and address the key challenges and opportunities facing the agriculture industry today.

“With North Carolina’s agriculture sector contributing $111 billion annually to the state’s economy and providing jobs for 16% of the workforce, this conference helps ensure that the sector remains a pillar of our state’s success,” said Ray Starling, NC Chamber General Counsel and President of the NC Chamber Legal Institute. “The event brings experts, policymakers, and industry trailblazers to explore how to adapt to workforce changes, technological advancements, and evolving regulations that will shape the future of agriculture in North Carolina.”

This year, the keynote speaker will be Melissa San Miguel, the President of Red Flag USA and Executive Director of Washington International Business Council. The conference offers several panels, a policy outlook, the keynote presentation, and essential time to network.

“Attending the NC Chamber Ag Allies Conference is an opportunity to engage with the thought leaders who are driving the next generation of agriculture,” said Starling. “You will gain firsthand insights into the latest economic trends and technological innovations, hear directly from industry leaders about the future of food and farming, and learn about how North Carolina is positioning itself as a global leader in agriculture. By attending, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers and exchange ideas on how to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of this vital industry.”

Golden LEAF officials are attending to keep abreast of the agriculture economic landscape. One of Golden LEAF’s priorities is Agriculture. Golden LEAF supports agriculture projects as an economic development engine. Golden LEAF grants for agriculture projects have supported the development of new crops, expanded markets for agriculture products, scientific research, training for farmers, cost-effective techniques and value-added agricultural enterprises.

Last year, when Hamilton attended the NC Chamber Ag Allies Conference, the keynote presentation came from Aidan Connolly, President, AgriTech Capital, based in Wilmington. Hamilton shared after the 2023 conference in a newsletter article that Connolly presented the staggering numbers of needing 70% more food and protein by 2050. He added that the world’s population has nearly doubled since 1970 and is headed toward 10 billion by 2050.

“The information you receive at the conference is valuable to anyone involved in or impacted by North Carolina’s agribusiness sector,” said Hamilton. “We attend to listen and learn more about agriculture, agribusiness, food production, agricultural technology, and policy. Our team also finds the networking opportunity helpful to leverage first-hand knowledge about the challenges and opportunities in the industry to advance the economy through our funding opportunities.”

Information about NC Ag Allies including the agenda and how to register, can be found here.

 

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with Laura Kilian, NC Ag Leads staff and Associate State Legislative Director at NC Farm Bureau via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.

NC AgVentures, an NC State Extension program that provides grants to NC family farms to implement agricultural projects that will increase farm profits, has announced it will be accepting applications starting October 15, 2024. This program is sponsored by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

Producers in the following counties are eligible to apply: Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Cabarrus, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Forsyth,, Gaston, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Iredell, Johnston, Lincoln, Martin, Mecklenburg, Nash, Northampton, Orange, Person, Pitt, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Sampson, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Vance, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, Wilkes, Warren, and Yadkin.

NC AgVentures offers two funding options:

• Individual Farmer grants for independent family farms
• Community Grants for local non-profit community organizations such as NC State Extension, farming associations, farmer co-ops, farmers markets

For this program, producers must work with their extension agent, found by clicking here.

The application will open October 15th. The deadline is December 15th. The application workshop slides provide information on the grant program including eligibility requirements, deadlines, and match requirements. 

Contact program coordinator [email protected] for any inquiries or visit https://agventures.ces.ncsu.edu/grant-program/ for more information.

North Carolina is home to a number of funding institutions supporting strategies necessary for economic growth. As a result of Golden LEAF’s strategic plan, one of the five strategic priorities is to have, and be recognized for, excellence in organizational collaboration, innovation, and impact. To help address this goal, Golden LEAF will help spotlight North Carolina funding opportunities related to its funding priorities of Job Creation and Economic Investment, Workforce Preparedness, or Agriculture through its newsletter in spotlights, articles, rural resources section or Critical Conversations episodes.

 

By Emma Godwin, Golden LEAF External Affairs Intern

Golden LEAF Scholar and Wayne County native, Macy Parkhurst was born and raised in Pikeville with a deep rooted love of her community.

After applying to several colleges her senior year of high school, Parkhurst was not sure where she wanted to go. On a campus tour of the University of Mount Olive (UMO), Parkhurst got an overwhelming sense that this was where she needed to be.

“The Lord told me this is where I needed to be,” said Parkhurst. “So I listened and I am so glad that I did.”

Parkhurst was raised on her grandfather’s farm where she learned the value of what it means to be in a rural, tobacco-dependent community. Parkhurst originally had no idea about Golden LEAF until her grandfather informed her about the foundation and suggested she go apply. She knew the Golden LEAF Scholarship was something she wanted to apply for since she has a passion for her community and giving back to her hometown.

“That was a big reason why I applied, but I really love how Golden LEAF’s main goal is encouraging people to go back to their rural hometown,” said Parkhurst. “That is something I am really passionate about, is my hometown little ol’ Pikeville. I love it.”

Ever since she was little, Parkhurst has wanted to go to law school and become an attorney. Her inspiration sparked from her grandmother, who told her when she was younger that she can do anything she puts her mind to and she would be a great attorney one day.

“Little 10-year-old Macy said I am not doing that,” said Parkhurst, “but it really stuck with me for the rest of my life.”

Parkhurst entered the UMO as a Business Administration major, since the university did not offer a Pre-Law program. Parkhurst loves a challenge and to her the major did not give her that challenge. It was until she took her first accounting class where she found her challenge.

“After going to my accounting professor for help just one time, it clicked for me,” said Parkhurst. “This is where I found my love for accounting. I got my challenge, and I loved it!”

After a conversation with her accounting professor she had a push to switch her major to accounting. Parkhurst was hesitant at first because she had a year left until she graduated and it was a risk to take out of fear she would fail.

“After the switch, it opened many doors to internship opportunities,” said Parkhurst. “I gained experience doing what I loved.”

She had five internships in the span of three years at UMO, but the one that really stuck out was Atlantic Casualty working in their accounting department. Atlantic Casualty is an insurance company based in Goldsboro underwriting insurance in all 50 states. While interning there she still felt the concern that it was not challenging enough for her. But, on her last day there she was offered the part-time position of litigation assistant.

“I’m currently in my third week and learning a lot,” said Parkhurst. “If I did not change my degree to accounting, I would be stuck in this bubble of what is my next step.”

Parkhurst’s position entails her being an assistant to the Claims Counsel, who is an attorney for Atlantic Casualty. Parkhurst assists the Claims Counsel in administering things such as writing up responses to outside counsel or suits. She also writes responses and works with the insurance side of things when it comes to policies.

“I’m excited that I got the best of both worlds, with a job combining law and accounting,” said Parkhurst.

Parkhurst said the Golden LEAF Scholarship’s mission is to encourage students to return to their hometowns and give back to their communities that gave so much to them.

“Without Golden LEAF I do not think that I would have the education and the opportunities that I have today,” said Parkhurst. “Don’t ever give up, even if things look like they may not happen, just do it anyway it doesn’t matter what people say or think.”

Learn more about Parkhurst’s employer, Atlantic Casualty. 

 

By Emma Godwin, Golden LEAF External Affairs Intern Golden LEAF Scholar and Wayne County native, Macy Parkhurst was born and raised in Pikeville with a

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with Laura Kilian, NC Ag Leads staff and Associate State Legislative Director at NC Farm Bureau via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.

NC Ag Leads is a strategic planning initiative for the North Carolina agriculture industry that will position the state’s number one economic driver for continued success. In January 2023, the Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors met at the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension in Kinston for the annual strategic planning retreat to discuss ways to broaden our impact in rural and economically distressed areas. Golden LEAF Chairman at the time, Don Flow, raised the idea of developing a strategic plan for agriculture in North Carolina. Asking the question, what can Golden LEAF do to help best prepare North Carolina to continue as a leader in agriculture into the future? Golden LEAF began the conversation with members of Commissioner Troxler’s team, the Farm Bureau, and the Chamber later in the spring, and a few weeks later NC Ag Leads was born.

Golden LEAF is proud to be a key funder in the NC Ag Leads Initiative, which was officially announced November 9th of 2023. Kilian, along with Ray Starling, General Counsel of the NC Chamber and President of the NC Chamber Legal Institute, accepted the roles and responsibilities to drive the NC Ag Leads process, along with support from Sarah Grace Stone and members of the NC Chamber team.

NC Ag Leads is a phased approach to making a tangible difference in the ag economy. Kilian shared that the NC Ag Leads team has traveled across the state to facilitate 23 focus groups, reaching 68 counties and over 340 members of North Carolina’s agriculture industry to date. NC Ag Leads hosted Imagine Ag Day with thought leaders to think outside the box. The team also held an “Agricultural Industry Wargame” designed to further explore the challenges uncovered during Phase 1 of the project. Additionally, the team met one-on-one or in groups with legislators, congressmen, farmers, commodity leaders, community college presidents, and other higher education institutions. The focus has been on farmers and agribusiness growth on micro and macro levels.

The Golden LEAF Board recognized the importance of a Steering Committee that includes agriculture leaders in North Carolina who would be dedicated to putting in the work. The NC Ag Leads consists of Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton, along with Golden LEAF Board Members Lawrence Davenport, Laurence Lilley, and Don Flow, as well as Commissioner Troxler, Shawn Harding, and Gary Salamido. Kilian said the Steering Committee challenged the NC Ag Leads team to come up with a to-do list of aspirational and attainable results from the strategic planning process. The Steering Committee meets with NC Ag Leads on a regular basis and hears weekly updates.

Kilian said the NC Ag Leads team distilled Phase 1 into five recurring themes. These themes included the need for a talent pipeline, the competition for land in a fast-growing state, the access of farmers to their target markets, generational concerns with an aging farming population and the next generation of consumers, and farm support systems that do not always support farming.

Phase 2 began over the summer, Kilian said. She said there are six focus groups that are working on issues that were identified in Phase 1. The working groups are collectively titled HARVEST:

H – Harmonize land and resource use in a growing state, which focuses on addressing land and resource use pressure within the state of North Carolina. Farmland competition and water storage and diversion fit here, along with a coordinated and renewed discussion regarding continued strategic management of our animal agriculture footprint.

A – Align technology supply and demand, which focuses on achieving alignment between the burgeoning agri- and animal-tech industries within North Carolina and the state’s diverse and adaptive farming community.

R – Reinforce farmer support systems, which focuses on equipping farmers and agribusinesses with tools sufficient to guard against disruption, inclusive of shocks and challenges that may arise on legal and policy fronts.

V – Value a business mindset across the industry, particularly on the farm, which focuses on ensuring the entire sector embraces an “ag as a business” mindset that enhances our growers’ business planning, transition planning, and credit management expertise.

E – Empower and equip the agriculture workforce, which focuses on pursuing alignment among agricultural education efforts so that we have the best trained and most plentiful labor supply our system can produce. Pursue a “Talent Pipeline Management” strategy that results in aligning talent demand with supply.

S – Streamline market access efforts, which focuses on removing barriers to key markets, increasing market access (in some instances, establishing greater aggregation), capturing as much of the food dollar as possible on the farm (value added efforts), and exploring vulnerabilities that could cause mass economic casualties if disruption were to happen quickly (e.g., addressing one buyer issues and vertical ag dependence).

T – Teamwork and leadership are the key to moving from key issues to key outcomes, which focuses on the engagement and support from North Carolina’s agriculture community, which has been instrumental in the success of NC Ag Leads’ progress so far.

Next steps, according to Kilian, is that the six working group leaders will work to achieve actionable steps for issues identified to move North Carolina’s agriculture economy forward.

To learn more about NC Ag Leads, visit ncagricultureleads.com.