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Lending Ground Truth to Ag Research

N.C. PSI News

A person speaks from a podium, next to a large display screen, to a crowded room

Apr 14, 2026

Extension Agents Explore Ways to Use AI To Maximize Their Impact

The recent AI in Agriculture Conference at included a workshop for Extension agents interested in learning how to use AI tools in their work. 
Hundreds of people, a humanoid robot and NC State mascots pack an entryway and two staircases.

Apr 6, 2026

AI in Agriculture Conference Explores the Future of Farming

Over 460 academics, students, researchers, extension professionals and industry leaders from across the country took part in the 2026 AI in Agriculture Conference at NC State, chaired by the N.C. PSI's Daniela Jones. 
Aerial of tractor spraying fields at the Lake Wheeler Road Field Laboratory

Mar 27, 2026

NC State to Host Industry Feedback Session for New Ag Formulations Program

Agricultural industry representatives are invited to a feedback session to shape a groundbreaking NC State University program to train workforce-ready formulations professionals. 
Two students, one speaking into a microphone, present research ideas.

Mar 27, 2026

Grad Students Build Bridges for Agricultural Innovation

The N.C. PSI's BRIDGE Symposium provided a window into the bold ways graduate students are collaborating across academic fields to solve a range of agricultural challenges. 
Tomato plants in the foreground, with a person tending them in the background

Mar 24, 2026

Fast-Tracking Agricultural Tech With North Carolina Growers

With help from the N.C. PSI, Seed2Grow startup company Verdia Diagnostics is testing its novel disease-detecting sensors with local growers. 
Visitors from New Zealand's Bioeconomy Science Institute outside the Plant Sciences Building

Mar 24, 2026

Visits Highlight N.C. PSI’s Place as Global Ag Innovation Hub

World-class scientists from both New Zealand and Serbia visited the Plant Sciences Building in March, strengthening collaborations to advance agriculture and protect natural resources through interdisciplinary research. 
Group of seven smiling professionals

Mar 23, 2026

Accelerating Ag Innovation Through Global Networking

N.C. PSI Plant Improvement Platform Director Ross Sozzani continues her longtime work to share critical plant sciences resources and expertise across borders. Her recent collaboration and networking in Japan also opened a new chapter in a 40-year partnership between Nagoya University and NC State. 
The team from NC State stands together onstage.

Mar 23, 2026

Accelerating Agricultural Innovation Through Global Networking

Professor Ross Sozzani is the Plant Improvement Platform director for the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative and co-deputy director of the STEPS Center (Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability). Sozzani’s research… 
Three people, with two making the shape of a wolf with their hands

Mar 12, 2026

‘You Want the Handprints You Make on People’s Lives To Be Good Ones’

Alumnus Larry Roberts recounts a life lesson learned and the returns he and his wife, Judy, see from their investment in a program that sparks young people’s interest in solving global food and agriculture problems. 
Two people talking in a farm field.

Mar 12, 2026

Lending Ground Truth to Ag Research

Sam Marshall draws on technical expertise, grounded in research, and solid relationships to make a difference for ornamental nursery and greenhouse growers.