Applications are now open for the North Carolina Agriculture Manufacturing and Processing Initiative (NCAMPI), a grant program aimed at strengthening the state’s food and fiber supply chain. The initiative is focused on supporting growth and modernization in agricultural manufacturing and processing throughout North Carolina, with specific provisions for businesses affected by Hurricane Helene.
The NCAMPI program is set to invest $8 million in equipment, infrastructure, and technology upgrades. These investments are intended to expand processing capabilities, create jobs, and enhance long-term resilience within agriculture and agribusiness, which remains North Carolina’s largest industry.
“North Carolina farmers and processors are the backbone of our state’s economy,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This initiative provides $8 million to ensure that we not only expand opportunities for value-added agriculture but also support communities recovering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. By strengthening local processing, we keep more dollars in our rural economies while building a stronger, more resilient food system.”
The application deadline is Friday, Oct. 3. Eligible applicants include value-added processors and manufacturing companies based in North Carolina as well as local government units proposing infrastructure projects.
For those applying under the Helene recovery guidelines, eligible uses extend to design and construction of water, wastewater, or transportation infrastructure serving agricultural manufacturing sites. Other supported activities include equipment purchases, facility improvements, and projects aimed at reinforcing supply chains.
Special consideration will be given to proposals that restore or replace lost processing capacity in regions impacted by Hurricane Helene. Projects should also focus on disaster recovery planning, strengthening disrupted local food supply chains, or providing direct economic benefits to federally or state-declared disaster areas. Applicants seeking this assistance must provide documentation of storm impact along with an explanation of how their project will contribute to recovery or resiliency efforts.
Full program guidelines and application materials can be found at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/marketing/ncampi. Additional assistance is available through the NCDA&CS Marketing Division via ncampi@ncagr.gov.
