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

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 $87 billion to the economy every year. That’s about 17 percent of the state's income. About 17 percent of N.C.’s workforce is 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 170 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.

170+ 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

$91.8B

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.

Ag Tech Professional Forums
Annual event series for industry leaders and professionals to learn about North Carolina's diverse ag tech resources. Each includes a short program of speakers followed by a networking reception.
2019 Forums: February 20 │April 17 │June 19 │September 18 │November 13
View Past Forum Videos
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. (new web page coming soon)
NC Ag Tech Economic Growth Report
Semi-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.
View July 2019 Summary | January 2019 Full Report
Crop, Animal and Food Tech Showcase
Event to connect entrepreneurs, investors, tech scouts and others. The event facilitates partnerships and deal flow, and also inspires researchers to commercialize their most promising results. This program is currently undergoing evaluation for changes moving forward.
View past Showcase Highlights: 2018 │2016 │2015 │2014 │2013 │2012
Ag Biotech Summit
Event previously held every two years to engage the agriculture and life science communities, addressing key topics such as emerging technologies, research innovation, technology commercialization, regulation, policy, public acceptance, agricultural production and ag tech products.
View past Summit Highlights: 2018 │2016 │2014 │2012

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