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.
In Rutherford and Polk counties, Isothermal Community College’s new covered riding arena is expanding the hands-on training opportunities that connect students to high-demand careers in agribusiness, equine services, and mental health services.
Golden LEAF Critical Conversations has officially moved to a podcast format and is now available for download on Spotify, making it easier than ever to listen on your schedule.
Hosted by Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF Critical Conversations features conversations with professionals about the most pressing economic development issues shaping communities across North Carolina.
Recently, Golden LEAF President and Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with Reggie Strickland, president and Chief Executive Officer of Strickland Farming and a participant in the NC Ag Leads strategic planning process, via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.
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.
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.
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.
