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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 100+ 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 $86 billion to the economy every year. That’s about 16 percent of the state's income. About 17 percent of N.C.’s workforce is involved in some aspect of agriculture.

NCBiotech has awarded 398 ag tech grants and 44 ag tech loans totaling $20,325,250 and $3,774,671, respectively. Every $1 invested in ag-related grants yields $37.50 in additional funding, and every $1 invested in ag-related loans yields $287 in additional funding.

Companies, Campuses and Collaborators

More than 100 ag tech companies employ over 9,000 people across the state. The company roster includes international giants BASF Plant Science, DuPont Pioneer, Novozymes and Syngenta. More than 700 ag-related support organizations also contribute to the industry statewide. Browse the lists or further narrow your search by region.

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.

100+ companies

in ag tech

9,000

employees

5 of 6

top global ag tech companies

18

research stations

2

land grant universities

$86B

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.

Crop, Animal and Food Tech Showcase

Annual 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.

View past Showcase Highlights: 2018 │2016 │2015 │2014 │2013 │2012
Ag Biotech Summit

Event 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
Ag Biotech Professional Forums

Quarterly 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.

2018 Forums: March 7 │April 26 │June 27 │September 26 │November 14
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.
NCBiotech Economic Growth Report

Semi-annual report providing an economic growth snapshot of the ag tech industry in North Carolina. The report uses January 2010 as a baseline to chart the state's ag tech company and technology developments.

View January 2018 Full Report │ July 2018 Full Report

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 100 ag tech companies are operating across the state of North Carolina. They include:

See All

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

Agriculture Sector Development

919-549-8858 | michelle_voncannon@ncbiotech.org

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.

Companies, Campuses and Collaborators

100+ companies

9,000

5 of 6

18

2

$86B

Agriculture News & Events

Ag Tech Professional Forum

Agriculture Sector Development Programs

Crop, Animal and Food Tech Showcase

Ag Biotech Summit

Ag Biotech Professional Forums

Crop Commercialization Program

NCBiotech Economic Growth Report

Ag Tech companies in NC