Key Takeaways
- NCDA&CS awarded $1 million to support 12 agricultural research projects statewide.
- Grants aim to advance new crops, value-added products, and innovative agricultural technologies.
- Projects span AI, genomics, crop protection, animal health, soil fertility, and biomass utilization.
- Funding is part of a long-running agricultural research grant program backed by the General Assembly.
- State officials highlighted strong economic returns from agricultural research investments.
NCDA&CS Invests in Agricultural Research and Innovation
Twelve agricultural research projects based in North Carolina are receiving a combined $1 million in grants from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS). The awards were issued through the department’s Project Management section and are intended to support new crop development and innovative research that strengthens the state’s agricultural economy.
Since 2013, the North Carolina General Assembly has allocated funding for agricultural research grants, initially focused on bioenergy and later expanded to include new crops and broader agricultural innovations. According to NCDA&CS, the program supports not only scientific research but also the marketing and education needed to bring new crops and products to commercial viability.
“Investing in ag research is money well spent,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Every dollar invested returns around $20, which is significant.”
Research Projects Address Crops, Livestock, and Technology
Wide-Ranging Focus Areas From NCDA&CS
The funded projects, led primarily by researchers at NC State University and East Carolina University, cover a broad range of agricultural priorities. These include AI-powered fungicide screening for rapid disease response, genome-edited peppers resistant to Phytophthora, improved hemp grain and seed production systems, and disease-resistant Fraser fir for the state’s Christmas tree industry.
Other projects focus on improving sheep production efficiency, developing novel antibiotics to address antimicrobial resistance in animal agriculture, enhancing honeybee health, and optimizing fertilizer recommendations based on economic return rather than yield alone. Several initiatives also explore data-driven orchard management, pawpaw crop development, and protection of hop breeding germplasm.
NCDA&CS noted that many of the projects are supported through collaboration with state research stations, helping translate research into practical outcomes for growers and agribusinesses.
Strengthening North Carolina’s Agricultural Economy
From Research to Commercial Impact
According to the department, the grants help researchers identify potential new crops and value-added products while supporting applied innovations that improve farm profitability and resilience. Several projects also address emerging challenges such as labor shortages, climate pressure, pest and disease outbreaks, and supply chain vulnerabilities.
Troxler emphasized the role of collaboration in maximizing impact. “I’m also proud that our research stations collaborate with these researchers to provide a platform for most if not all of these projects,” he said.
NCDA&CS Long-Term Commitment to Agricultural Innovation
The 2025–2026 funding cycle reflects North Carolina’s continued commitment to agricultural research as a driver of economic growth. Full abstracts for each funded project are available upon request from NCDA&CS.
State officials indicated that ongoing investment in applied research remains a key strategy for maintaining competitiveness across North Carolina’s diverse agricultural sectors, from specialty crops and livestock to forestry and renewable materials.
