Smart Ag
Smart Ag
Agriculture is evolving rapidly with the integration of technology, new sustainability practices, automation, and precision farming techniques. Eastern North Carolina is on the forefront of Smart Ag innovation, working toward not only economic prosperity, but also long-term food security for our nation.
Eastern NC is a great home for Smart Ag operations. The region benefits from fertile land, a rich agricultural history, and access to research institutions that are driving many advancements in sustainable farming.
NC East Alliance supports the Smart Ag industry by creating connections and collaborations between farmers, tech developers, researchers, and local educators to ensure a robust and well-prepared workforce pipeline. For those living in Eastern North Carolina, this industry offers a unique combination of traditional farming values with cutting-edge technology, and offers exciting opportunities in agri-tech, automation, and sustainability.
Smart Ag by the numbers
- Agriculture and Forestry is a $1.3 billion industry in North Carolina
- The global Smart Ag market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.4% from 2023 to 2030
- There are nearly 800,000 employees in NC’s agriculture and agribusiness sector
Key Smart Ag employers
- Smithfield Foods
- Mount Olive Pickle Company
- Perdue Farms
- Butterball LLC
- Goldsboro Milling Company
Smart Ag job opportunities in Eastern NC
Job opportunities in our region include, but are not limited to:
- Precision Agriculture Technician
- Agronomy Manager
- Environmental Technician
- Drone Pilot for Agricultural Surveys
- Data Analyst for Crop Management
How we help
NCEast Alliance is driving Smart Ag innovation by:
- Partnering with community colleges to train students for Smart Ag jobs and build a workforce pipeline
- Supporting startups focused on sustainable practices
- Engaging K-12 students through STEM East programs
- Promoting collaborative research initiatives and hands-on programs between schools and employers