RALEIGH, N.C. (SFN) – North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler says a new round of funding is now available through a state initiative designed to help farmers and businesses expand agricultural manufacturing and food processing within the state.
Speaking with SFN, Troxler highlighted the North Carolina Agricultural Manufacturing and Processing Initiative (NCAMPI), a program created to strengthen markets for the state’s agricultural products.
The initiative began in 2023 with a $19 million grant from the North Carolina General Assembly. Troxler said the program is aimed at helping producers add value to crops by processing them into new products or extending their shelf life.
“We’re trying to sell more agricultural products,” Troxler said. “Sometimes you can extend the shelf life of our ag products or put them into a different form, usually with specialty crops.”
According to Troxler, the program has already attracted significant private investment. The original $19 million in public funding has helped leverage about $63 million in private dollars, expanding agricultural production and processing opportunities across the state.
A new round of grants totaling $4.3 million is now available. Applications are open through April 13.
Troxler said increasing food processing capacity in North Carolina can create benefits throughout the agricultural economy.
“It benefits both the farmers selling the product and those processing it here in the state,” he said.
The initiative could also open the door for new crops and emerging markets. Troxler pointed to growing national interest in natural food coloring as one example of a potential opportunity for North Carolina farmers.
“Many of the crops used for natural food coloring we already grow here or can grow here,” Troxler said. “You never know when that next big home run is going to hit, and we certainly want to hit a home run with this program.”
Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s marketing division before submitting proposals to ensure projects meet program goals.
Businesses and producers interested in applying can email ncampi@ncagr.gov for more information about the program and application process.