N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative

                      New and Emerging Crops Program

                      Innovations to Advance the Agricultural Economy

History

Agriculture is North Carolina’s number one industry and contributes over $100 billion to the state’s economy each year.  With funding provided by the North Carolina General Assembly since 2013, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has led the N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative with the mission to support the research and development of agricultural and forestry-based feedstocks for bioenergy production, agribusiness development and cooperative research for biofuels production within the state.  In 2018 the General Assembly allocated funding at the Commissioner’s request for a New and Emerging Crops Program.  Its mission 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 viable options for North Carolina growers. In 2024 the General Assembly voted to expand the scope of the combined programs to include Innovations to Advance the Agricultural Economy.  This expansion is a commitment to address the needs of an ever-evolving agricultural economy by supporting innovative agricultural research projects. 

Oxford Tobacco Research Station
300 Providence Road
Oxford, NC 27565
PHONE: (919) 693-2483
FAX: (919) 693-6848