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Grant Application - North Carolina Agriculture Manufacturing and Processing Initiative
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INFORMATION CONTACT:
Andrew Baucom, Cooperative Extension, Director, 704-283-3738
ACTION REQUESTED:
Authorize the County Manager to submit the associated grant application and make necessary assurances and certifications associated with the grant application as substantially consistent with this agenda item, which includes the authorization to execute documents related to award of the grant and budget funds as appropriate.
PRIOR BOARD ACTIONS:
None.
BACKGROUND:
The North Carolina Manufacturing and Processing Initiative (NCAMPI)'s central goal is to support the development and expansion of agricultural manufacturing and processing facilities that turn raw North Carolina farm products into higher-value goods. The initiative is designed to make the state’s agricultural sector more competitive, diverse, and economically resilient.
Agricultural Services seeks to use this grant funding to purchase an automated bottling system for the Food Innovation Center. This system will expand value-added agricultural processing capacity and enable Union County-grown products to be turned into higher-value, market-ready goods.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
A local match is required, defined as the lesser of 5% of the grant award or $50,000. The grant request is anticipated to be $350,000.