Founding Funders

N.C. PSI was envisioned by farmers, championed by state leaders, overwhelmingly approved by the voters of North Carolina and has been eagerly anticipated by all stakeholders.

The idea for and energy behind this initiative came directly from North Carolina farmers, agricultural organizations and industry partners.

With the input and initial seed money from more than 40 agricultural and community organizations, N.C. PSI took root.

funder spotlights

North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission

The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission is specifically interested in identifying new varieties of sweetpotatoes that are resistant to pests and disease, easier to harvest and require less infrastructure for curing, all while protecting taste and quality standards. 

North Carolina Vegetable Growers’ Association

The North Carolina Vegetable Growers’ Association improves and promotes the state’s vegetable industry, advocating for the industry and work to help make it more sustainable and profitable. With their longstanding relationship with NC State and Extension, they became early supporters of the N.C. PSI. 

Carolina Feed Industry Association

Animals are an essential part of North Carolina’s agriculture and economy. Providing nutritious feeds that nourish them, and ensuring the meat they produce is healthy and safe to consume, is a key focus for the Carolina Feed Industry Association. It’s also why they support the North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative. 

Our Founding Funders

• AgCarolina Farm Credit
• Blackland Farm Managers Association
• Cape Fear Farm Credit
• Carolina Farm Credit
• Carolina Feed Industry Association
• Carolinas Irrigation Association
• Corn Growers Association of North Carolina
• Fair Products, Inc.
• Golden LEAF Foundation
• N.C. Herb Association
• NC Composting Council
• NC Dairy Producers Association
• NC Forage & Grassland Council
• NC Green Industry Council
• NC Nursery & Landscape Association
• NC Poultry Federation
• NC Small Grain Growers Association, Inc.
• NC Strawberry Association
• NC Tomato Growers Association
• North Carolina Agricultural Consultants Association
• North Carolina Blueberry Council
• North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association
• North Carolina Cotton Producers Association
• North Carolina Farm Bureau
• North Carolina Fisheries Association
• North Carolina Irrigation Society
• North Carolina Muscadine Grape Association
• North Carolina Peach Growers’ Society
• North Carolina Peanut Growers Association
• North Carolina Pork Council
• North Carolina Sod Producers Association
• North Carolina Soybean Producers Association
• North Carolina State Grange
• North Carolina Vegetable Growers Association
• North Carolina Watermelon Association
• The North Carolina SweetPotato Commission, Inc.
• Tobacco Associates, Inc.
• Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina
• Turfgrass Council of North Carolina
• U.S. Tobacco Cooperative, Inc.
• Weed Science Society of NC
• Winston Family Foundation 
• Frank and Judi Grainger
• Randall Canady
• John and Amy Huss
• JTI Leaf Services
• Tommy Bunn and Elaine Marshall
• Janice Swab
• Vick Family Farms
• Dr. Garnett Whitehurst
• Thomas Joyner/Nash Produce
• Lawrence Davenport 
• John Barnes and Lisa Stone Barnes 
• Rebecca Boston and Scott Shore
• Verdesian Life Sciences 
• The Dickson Foundation

Fund Our Work

Through plant science innovation, we turn bold ideas into real-world solutions that improve lives worldwide. Join us—your support fuels the research shaping the future of agriculture and life sciences.

Dinah Schuster
Senior Director of Philanthropy
N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative
P: 919.513.8294
daschust@ncsu.edu

Contact Dinah