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Agriculture

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Golden LEAF supports agriculture projects as an economic development engine. Our 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.

Projects awarded in this priority area will gather data to support outcomes including:

  • Number of participants at agricultural trainings
  • New publications directed towards farmers
  • Monthly use of agricultural facilities that benefit farmers
  • As well as narrative outcomes including: jobs, revenue growth, new agricultural business formations, economic output, changes in agricultural practices; acres in production; new crops/products grown or produced; and other measures of agriculture projects.
Funding Opportunities for Agriculture Projects

Agriculture News

Copy of Scholar Spotlight (59)

Eastern and Western North Carolina food hubs expand opportunities for farmers and food entrepreneurs

Food hubs in both Eastern and Western North Carolina are working to grow their reach, support more farmers, and increase access to local food thanks in part to strategic funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation. Across Southeastern North Carolina, Feast Down East is scaling its operations to meet rising demand from farmers and buyers. The Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors awarded Feast Down East $250,000 through the Open Grants Program to increase refrigeration and storage capacity at its Burgaw food hub and Wilmington satellite location.
September 24, 2025
Copy of Scholar Spotlight (60)

Golden LEAF supports training and employer growth of booming horticultural industry in Western North Carolina  

The horticultural industry in Western North Carolina is booming, driving both economic growth and workforce demand. To meet this need, the Golden LEAF Foundation has funded projects to help with both the training and infrastructure required to prepare the next generation of skilled professionals to strengthen the state’s number one industry, agriculture.
September 24, 2025
Critical Conversations (61)
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Critical Conversations featuring Edward Olive, Director of the University of Mount Olive Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with Edward Olive, Director of the University of Mount Olive Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.
September 10, 2025