NCDA&CS seeks proposals for agricultural research programs

With $1 million in grant funding available, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer services requests proposals for research that advances agriculture and the agricultural economy in the state. Proposed research projects should be limited to $100,000 each and fit into any of the following programs:

•        Innovations to Advance the Agricultural Economy – This program that the N.C. General Assembly approved in 2024 aims to address needs of the evolving agricultural economy with a broad range of innovative research.

•        Bioenergy Research Initiative – Approved in 2013, this program supports the research and development of agricultural and forestry-based feedstocks for bioenergy production, agribusiness development and cooperative research for biofuels production within the state.

•        New and Emerging Crops – The mission of this program is to identify potential new crops and value-added products and then provide the agricultural research, marketing support and grower education needed to make these crops commercially viable options for North Carolina growers. Funding for this program was first allocated by the General Assembly in 2018.

"Investing in ag research is an investment in the future of our ag industry, and for more than a decade now, we’ve invested $12.5 million in about 160 research projects,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Research will help address the need to produce more with fewer resources and improve the bottom line.”

The programs are organized under the NCDA&CS Research Stations Division. While not a requirement, research projects funded through these programs can be supported by one or more of the research stations and field laboratories strategically located across the state.

Additional details, the official request for proposals, grant applications and forms are online at www.ncagr.gov/divisions/research-stations/BRI/NECP/IAAE. Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 14. Questions about each program should be directed to Hunter Barrier at 910-592-7839. For more information on the application process, contact Allison Medlin, at allison.medlin@ncagr.gov or at 919-693-2483. 

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