North Carolina opens comment period for its new N.C. Agricultural Manufacturing and Processing Initiative

In North Carolina, the review and comment period is open through March 4 for guidelines concerning a new N.C. Agricultural Manufacturing and Processing Initiative to address the lack of capacity for value-added processing of agricultural commodities.

The new initiative was established by the N.C. General Assembly in the 2023 session and will be administered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The program is intended to:

Provide support for agricultural processing opportunities that increase jobs and local property tax bases across the state and/or reduce costs and increase profit options for North Carolina farmers and growers.

Identify and assess opportunities to increase value-added processing of commodities produced in the state and fill geographic and commodity gaps across the state.

Market and recruit facilities to fill such gaps and meet such opportunities.

Support eligible entities with funding for eligible costs necessary to create or expand agricultural manufacturing facilities and projects related to increased demand for agricultural products.