This Golden LEAF grant provided funding to North Carolina State University (NCSU) to investigate issues involved in stevia production in North Carolina, including strategies for disease management, weed control, and other crop production factors. Stevia is a natural, low calorie sweetener. The US was the largest market for the product, consuming 65% of global production at the time of the award. NCSU hoped that this research would help North Carolina farmers grow the crop successfully. Production and management recommendations were shared with farmers and county extension agents through field trials and written materials. Golden LEAF funds were used for costs associated with research regarding the production of stevia and for disseminating information to farmers.
