Friday, October 8, 2021

NCDA offers $1 million in grant funding for bioenergy research and new and emerging crops exploration Application deadline is Nov. 8

RALEIGH
Oct 8, 2021

The N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative and the New and Emerging Crops Program are seeking 2021 grant proposals that support each program’s mission.

“Investing in agricultural research helps North Carolina maintain agriculture and agribusiness as the leading industry in our state. With each program offering about $500,000 in competitive grants, we expect big long term dividends for the state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Every dollar invested in ag research produces $19 in returns. With these programs offering significant research funding, we know the results could be promising, not just for farm incomes but our state economy.”

Each program is organized under the NCDA&CS Research Stations Division. While not required, research projects funded by the grant programs may use the Division’s infrastructure and resources throughout the state, including one or more of the Division’s 18 research stations.

Potential grantees may wish to review the chart below to understand each program’s mission and the types of research projects that may qualify for grants.

 Bioenergy Research InitiativeNew and Emerging Crops Program
Mission:To support the research and development of agricultural and forestry-based feedstocks for bioenergy production, agribusiness development and cooperative research for biofuels production.To identify potential new crops, value-added products and agricultural enterprises and provide the agricultural research, marketing support and education necessary to make these crops commercially viable and profitable for North Carolina’s growers and agribusinesses.
Topics of high importance include, but are not limited to:
  • Weed management
  • Harvest management such as methods, timing, transporting and storage
  • Stand management such as renovation for productivity, planting dates, crop management and eradication when necessary
  • New species with bioenergy potential
  • Innovative uses of biomass for energy
  • Identification of emerging crops with economic potential
  • Crop physiology, growth and development
  • Identification of appropriate soil and climate needs
  • Agronomic management strategies including fertility and pest management
  • Postharvest management strategies
  • Creation and evaluation of new value-added products
  • Test marketing new crops or products
  • Genetic improvement and selection
  • Education and demonstration

Copies of the grant applications, required forms and additional information are available on each program’s grant web page. The Bioenergy Research Initiative page is at www.ncagr.gov/bioenergy/Grants/index.htm, and the New and Emerging Crops grant page is at www.ncagr.gov/NECP/grants.htm. Applications must be postmarked by close of business Nov. 8. Questions about each program should be directed to the contacts above. For more information on the application process, contact Allison Medlin, at allison.medlin@ncagr.gov or at 919-693-2483.           

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