Applications are now open for the North Carolina Agriculture Manufacturing and Processing Initiative (NCAMPI), a grant program aimed at expanding and modernizing the state’s agricultural processing capabilities. The initiative focuses on supporting businesses involved in food and fiber supply chains, with targeted assistance for those affected by Hurricane Helene.
The NCAMPI program is offering $8 million in funding to support equipment upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and technology enhancements for value-added processors and manufacturing companies based in North Carolina. Local government units working on infrastructure projects that benefit agricultural manufacturing sites are also eligible to apply.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler stated, “North Carolina farmers and processors are the backbone of our state’s economy. 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, October 3. Eligible uses of the grant include design and construction of water, wastewater, and transportation infrastructure serving agricultural manufacturing sites, as well as equipment purchases and facility improvements.
In light of Hurricane Helene’s impact on parts of North Carolina, the NCAMPI will give priority to projects that restore or replace lost processing capacity in affected areas. Projects that contribute to disaster recovery planning or directly benefit communities designated as disaster zones will receive special consideration. Applicants seeking recovery funds must provide documentation of storm-related damage and detail how their project will support recovery or resilience efforts.
Guidelines and application materials can be accessed at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/marketing/ncampi. Additional support is available through the NCDA&CS Marketing Division at ncampi@ncagr.gov.
