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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.

Current Funding Opportunity

Open Grants Program

News

Copy of Scholar Spotlight (84)

Plant Sciences Initiative – Keeping Agriculture Competitive

What does it take to keep North Carolina agriculture competitive in a rapidly changing world? Today’s farmers face complex challenges that require more than traditional solutions. The Plant Sciences Initiative (PSI) at NC State University was created to meet that challenge by bringing together researchers, farmers, industry leaders, and government partners to solve real problems and deliver practical innovations to the field.
March 25, 2026
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Montgomery Community College cultivates advanced agriculture program

Montgomery County is seeing tangible returns from the expansion of Montgomery Community College’s advanced agricultural training and Sustainable Agriculture programs. In 2020, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded Montgomery Community College $375,000 to develop an agriculture program to train current and future growers with best practices in farming and business, advanced technologies, and sustainable techniques. Golden LEAF funding supported the construction of a greenhouse and high-tunnel, as well as the purchase of equipment and instructional supplies.
March 25, 2026
Critical Conversations (79)

Golden LEAF Critical Conversations podcast – NC Plant Sciences Initiative growing the future of North Carolina agriculture

The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations with Scott Hamilton features three voices shaping the future of North Carolina agriculture. They answer the question: What happens when scientists, extension specialists, and farmers tackle agriculture’s toughest challenges together?
March 11, 2026