Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler has announced that $7.6 million in grants will be distributed to value-added agricultural processors in North Carolina. The funding is part of the N.C. Agriculture Manufacturing and Processing Initiative (NCAMPI), which aims to support farmers and growers, particularly those in counties impacted by Hurricane Helene.
The NCAMPI program focuses on promoting the development of agricultural manufacturing and food processing facilities across the state. According to the announcement, ten projects have been approved for funding, with six projects related to apple production receiving a combined $6.7 million. Other funded projects involve pharmaceutical-grade botanicals, improvements in Christmas tree production, as well as enhancements in post-harvest handling and cooling capacity.
“This grant will help modernize local processing facilities, strengthen supply chains and improve opportunities for our farmers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This initiative is all about keeping value-added agriculture right here in North Carolina. By expanding manufacturing and food processing capacity, we are helping our famers and local communities who are still recovering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene.”
The program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) with financial support from the N.C. General Assembly.
Recipients of the January 2026 grants include:
– Apple Ridge Farms (Henderson County): upgrades to a packing line and increased cooling capacity
– Apple Wedge Packers & Cider (Henderson County): installation of four atmospheric coolers
– Blue Ridge Pure (Henderson County): expansion of cold storage and cider processing space
– Encompass Farm (Rutherford County): development of post-harvest space and additional cooling capacity
– Flat Rock Cider Company (Henderson County): addition of an atmospheric cooler
– Flavor 1st Growers & Packers (Henderson County): expenses related to new coolers
– Flavor Full Farms (Henderson County): creation of three controlled-atmosphere rooms
– Foster USA (Forsyth County): expansion of cooler space and construction of scrubber facilities
– Smokey Hollar Tree Farm (Alleghany County): establishment of a germination facility with cold storage capabilities
– WH Farms (Forsyth County): procurement of extraction equipment
Further information about NCAMPI can be found at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/marketing/ncampi.
