NC State researchers, farmers plot agribusiness

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — Farmers leading an effort to diversify North Carolina fields and keep up with new business opportunities are hearing from a North Carolina State University team with a similar goal.

The Agricultural Advancement Consortium includes about two dozen of the state’s large and small farmers, other agribusiness representatives and members of most of the state’s major
agricultural groups. The group is meeting Thursday with N.C. State’s alternative agriculture program at the new $1.5 billion research campus in Kannapolis.

The two groups will work on agribusiness plans like a state-supported network matching farmers who could supply local markets and restaurants.

Agriculture is North Carolina’s top industry, generating about 20 percent of state income.

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