Farm Credit ensures farmers and rural businesses succeed and agriculture thrives. For more than a century, the nationwide customer-owned cooperative has provided loans and resources for farmers and rural communities and helped drive agribusiness through community engagement, supporting ag education, and advocating for its customers. To continue that effort, three North Carolina Farm Credit associations — Carolina, AgCarolina and Cape Fear — funded and supported the North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative (N.C. PSI).
“N.C. PSI is one of a kind right now and will serve as a model for the university system across the country and beyond,” said Vance Dalton, president and CEO of Carolina Farm Credit. “I believe in bringing together different disciplines to solve issues related to agriculture.”
Dalton is optimistic that the research coming out of N.C. PSI will create new products, new efficiencies and new solutions to problems in the agricultural industry, making it more profitable and sustainable. His colleagues around the state agree.
“We feel strongly about supporting world-class leaders doing this level of research right in our backyard, and we’re confident this initiative will produce tangible results,” said Dave Corum, president and CEO of AgCarolina Farm Credit. “We applaud NC State for having the vision to create this collaborative initiative that combines farmers, research, industry partners and other influencers.”
“We are eager to see this project serve as a catalyst to attract top talent, companies and related industries to the area to bolster economic growth,” agreed Evan Kleinhans, CEO of Cape Fear Farm Credit.
With a rapidly evolving ag industry and consumer preferences, critical research and new ideas are required to address challenges and opportunities. N.C. PSI drives innovation that will increase crop yields, develop new crop varieties, extend growing seasons, enhance environmental sustainability and utilize new technology to improve the overall ag industry.
“Research and innovation can position our farmers to better compete locally, nationally and globally,” said Kleinhans. “With the agricultural industry being a pillar of the economy, both regionally and throughout North Carolina, N.C. PSI can continue to fuel this economic driver.”
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What we Think and Do improves the world through plant science innovation. Please consider supporting our work with your financial support.
Dinah Schuster
Senior Director of Development, Plant Sciences Initiative
P: 919.513.8294
daschust@ncsu.edu
