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Transforming the way the world grows.

Agriculture

North Carolina is a place where agricultural tradition and 21st century science meet to create unmatched research and business opportunities.

Here, virtually any ag tech company, researcher, investor or holder of intellectual property will find unique opportunities for transforming ideas into products.

This is evident in our 165+ ag tech companies and hundreds of world-class ag tech scientists, including global thought leaders working in our colleges and universities.

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Biotechnology in Agriculture

Year after year, agriculture, including food, fiber and forestry, remains one of the North Carolina's largest industries and a way of life for many of its people. As the state’s economy grows to include new technological innovations, the building blocks of renewable energy, and plants that manufacture medicines, its roots in agriculture remain evident and relevant.

State agricultural leaders note that the industry contributes some $92.7 billion to the economy every year. That’s about 16 percent of the state's income. Over 750k employees of N.C.’s workforce are involved in some aspect of agriculture.

NCBiotech has awarded 465 ag tech grants and 39 ag tech loans totaling $24,683,755 and $3,146,781, respectively. Every $1 invested in ag-related grants yields $61 in additional funding, and every $1 invested in ag-related loans yields $287 in additional funding.

Companies, Campuses and Collaborators

There are more than 165 ag tech companies across the state, clustered around plant, animal, food, technology and support. The company roster includes international giants BASF Plant Science, DuPont Pioneer, Novozymes and Syngenta.

North Carolina offers wide-ranging research and field trials at 18 research stations statewide. It’s also home to two land-grant ag research universities and a 58-campus community college system.

165+ companies

in ag tech

$290M+

state and local government revenues

5 of 6

top global ag tech companies

18

research stations

2

land grant universities

$92.7B

ag economy

Agriculture News & Events

Agriculture Sector Development Programs

NCBiotech's Agriculture Sector Development team is guided by an Advisory Council comprised of 16-20 leaders in the agriculture industry and education.

National AgTech Forum

In 2021, NCBiotech is partnering with AgLaunch and AgStart to develop a monthly event series for industry leaders and professionals featuring experts in the ag tech sector. While virtual, each includes a short program of speakers including Q&A with the audience. Once we're back in-person, the program will be followed by a networking reception.

2021 Forums: January 13 | February 17 | March 17

2020 Forums: February 19 | May 14 | July 22 | September 16 | November 11
Crop Commercialization Program

Project convening partners to conduct research including trait identification, development, grower engagement and market introduction to improve and commercialize vegetable, fruit and feed crops in North Carolina. Learn more
Ponytail Ag Campaign

Four of North Carolina's key agricultural partners are coming together in a collaborative effort to highlight the contributions women have made to the agriculture industry in North Carolina. NCBiotech will be working with N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, N.C. Farm Bureau, and Feed the Dialogue N.C. on a social media campaign.

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NC Ag Tech Economic Growth Report

In 2021 this will become an annual report providing an economic growth snapshot of the ag tech industry in North Carolina, that charts the state's ag tech company and technology developments. It will be released in August each year.

View January 2020 Summary

Many people and groups like the Biotech Center helped us prove our concept so we could attract our first venture capital investment more than three years ago.

AAD President and CEO, Joy Parr Drach

Ag Tech companies in NC

More than 165 ag tech companies are operating across the state of North Carolina. They include:

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For questions or more information, contact:
Michelle VonCannon
Agriculture Program and Event Manager

Agriculture Sector Development

919-549-8858 | michelle_voncannon@ncbiotech.org