North Carolina Seeks Organic Grain Expansion

"Two recent grants will support the organic grains program at North Carolina State University and provide education to promote the production of organic grain in the state, according to Chris Reberg-Horton, assistant professor of crop science and organic cropping specialist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The organic grains program recently received $100,000 from Golden LEAF, a foundation dedicated to the long-term economic advancement of North Carolina, and $35,000 from Organic Valley, an organic dairy cooperative.

The funds will support education and North Carolina Cooperative Extension programs on organic grains.

The organic industry is the fastest growing niche in the agricultural sector, with many mainstream food retailers joining the bandwagon. The organic market pays a premium for most crops, so organic grain can earn growers more cash per acre than conventional grain, according to Reberg-Horton."

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