North Carolina Agriculture Manufacturing and Processing Initiative Grant Program

The North Carolina Agriculture Manufacturing and Processing Initiative (NCAMPI) is a state-administered grant program aimed at strengthening the state's agricultural sector through value-added manufacturing and food processing. Established by the North Carolina General Assembly in the 2023 legislative session, NCAMPI is administered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS). This initiative supports the development and expansion of agricultural manufacturing facilities that use North Carolina-grown or produced commodities, thereby creating more market opportunities for local farmers and enhancing the competitiveness of the state's agriculture-based economy. NCAMPI's primary purpose is to stimulate job creation and economic development by incentivizing the processing of local agricultural goods within the state. The program seeks to fill existing geographic and commodity gaps in value-added processing and to recruit new facilities that can meet emerging demand. Funding is allocated to projects that demonstrate strong benefits to local agricultural producers, such as reducing transportation costs, increasing the value of local products, or improving access to processing infrastructure. By fostering a diverse range of value-added products, NCAMPI aims to improve overall profitability for farmers and strengthen rural economies across North Carolina. Eligible applicants for NCAMPI grants include local governments and nonprofit economic development entities. These applicants may apply on behalf of themselves or in partnership with agricultural manufacturers. Projects must involve the creation or expansion of agricultural manufacturing facilities that significantly utilize North Carolina agricultural products. Eligible expenses include infrastructure development (e.g., water, wastewater, transportation), site development and construction, equipment purchases, and other project components essential to agricultural manufacturing. The funding cannot be used for shared-use incubators, projects already funded by other state economic programs, or expenses deemed disproportionate to the project's public benefits. NCAMPI awards grants on a rolling basis, allowing applications to be submitted at any time, contingent on fund availability. Grant requests are limited to the lesser of $5,000,000 or 50% of the project’s total cost. Applicants must demonstrate the financial capacity to carry out the proposed project and are required to contribute a match amount of either 5% of the award or $50,000, whichever is less. Waivers for this match may be considered in cases of extreme fiscal hardship. Applications are submitted via email and must include the official NCAMPI application form, budget worksheet, and all supporting documentation. The review process includes due diligence such as site visits and evaluation of financials, with final funding decisions made by the Commissioner of Agriculture or their designee. Evaluation criteria include the project’s potential to benefit farmers, fill geographic or commodity processing gaps, increase job opportunities and wages, and enhance the local tax base. Projects must also demonstrate measurable outcomes, such as increased agricultural production or cost reductions for farmers, and must include a performance agreement between the applicant and the business benefiting from the funds. The NCDA&CS will monitor grantee compliance through periodic reviews and reimbursement-based disbursement of funds. Quarterly payment requests must include invoices and proof of payment, with hardship-based exceptions allowed. All submitted materials are subject to public records laws unless properly marked as confidential trade secrets. As of the current cycle, NCAMPI continues to accept applications, maintaining a rolling application window and anticipating continued future funding cycles to support the state's agricultural infrastructure and value-added processing goals.

Clearly outline agricultural product use, site readiness, and measurable benefits to NC farmers. Stronger applications will demonstrate job creation and geographic gap filling.