To enhance outreach and collaboration efforts, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton created a video series called Critical Conversations. In the video series, Scott talks with professionals about increasing economic advancement in North Carolina, including agriculture challenges and opportunities.
Watch these approximately 15-minute videos to learn more about how various authorities are working to grow the agriculture industry in North Carolina:
North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler
N.C. Agriculture Commissioner and famer, Troxler discusses his goal to make agribusiness a $100 billion industry and our state’s agricultural diversity, agriculture partners, and workforce challenges.
North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Executive Director William Upchurch
With more than 30 years of experience in the agriculture industry, Upchurch discusses the role of the Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, its annual grant cycle, who is eligible for funding, and what type of projects the Commission funds.
President of the North Carolina Farm Bureau Shawn Harding
Harding, a farmer for over 30 years, discusses the role of the North Carolina Farm Bureau and the roles technology and the youth play in the future of agriculture.
N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative Executive Director Adrian Percy
Percy discusses how the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative will bring together the brightest minds in academia, government and industry to drive vital research and innovation that increases crop yields, creates new varieties, extends growing seasons, enhances agricultural and environmental sustainability, and produces new and improved technology.
NC Chamber President & CEO Gary Salamido
Salamido discusses the labor shortage and ways to overcome it, the NC Chamber’s Ag Allies conference, the Golden LEAF SITE Program, and the NC Chamber’s Coolest Thing Made in NC contest.