A strong workforce is essential to economic growth in rural North Carolina. Across industries, employers need workers with the skills and experience required to fill current positions and adapt to changing technologies and business needs.
Agriculture has always been an important part of North Carolina’s economy. But the workforce needed to sustain it looks very different today than it did a generation ago.
Modern agriculture requires people who understand plants, animals, and equipment, as well as data, technology, business, and increasingly sophisticated production systems. Employers also need workers who can communicate, solve problems, adapt, and continue learning.
Agriculture is a major part of North Carolina’s economy, but the skills needed to succeed in the industry are changing. Preparing the next generation of agricultural workers requires introducing students to career opportunities early, providing hands-on education and training, and creating clear connections from the classroom to the workforce.
As North Carolina agriculture faces workforce shortages and an aging labor force, educational institutions are working together to create stronger pathways from high school classrooms to agricultural careers.
The University of Mount Olive (UMO) has developed a network of agricultural academies that allow high school students to earn college credit, explore career options and gain hands-on experience before graduation. Through partnerships with public schools, private schools and community colleges, the program helps students move seamlessly from education into the workforce.
For years, Ashe County farmers lacked a centralized facility where they could market livestock, host agricultural events, and provide hands-on learning opportunities for young people interested in agriculture. Today, the Ashe County Agricultural Center is helping fill that gap while strengthening the local agricultural industry and creating new economic opportunities for businesses, commodity groups, nonprofit organizations, and future farmers.
The Ashe County Agriculture Foundation committee handles the day-to-day operations of the facility. Judy Bare, member of the Ashe County Agriculture Foundation committee, says the committee meets at least once a month to go over planned events and other aspects of the center.
The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations with President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton explores one of the most significant challenges facing North Carolina agriculture: the loss of farmland and what it means for the state’s economy, food systems, and future growth.
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.
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.
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?
North Carolina agriculture remains one of the state’s greatest economic strengths. According to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the industry generates more than $100 billion in economic impact each year, supporting farmers, agribusinesses, researchers, and rural communities across the state.
