New research and training program will strengthen egg production food safety and workforce development.
A major investment in agricultural research is set to enhance innovation, education and workforce training within the U.S. egg industry.
NC State University has received $3.5 million through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Research Facilities Act Program to help establish the National Egg Science and Technology (NEST) Program. The funding is matched by contributions from industry partners, the Golden LEAF Foundation and NC State, creating a combined investment of $7 million.
The new initiative aims to strengthen research, workforce development, and food safety efforts while supporting the long-term growth of the egg sector.
The NEST Program was created after egg producers and industry stakeholders identified a need for dedicated facilities where researchers, regulators, and industry professionals could work together. Currently, many activities such as technology testing and inspector training take place in commercial processing facilities, which can create operational challenges.
“There is tremendous value in bringing researchers, students, industry and government together around the same table and, in this case, the same equipment,” said Garey Fox, dean of NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “The NEST Program is exactly the kind of partnership a land-grant university should lead. We’re building capacity that will serve North Carolina while helping solve challenges for an industry that feeds people across the country.”
The new program will provide dedicated facilities designed specifically for research, education, and innovation. It will support studies on egg production, processing systems, food safety, and emerging technologies.
One part of the project will be located at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Piedmont Research Station near Salisbury. This facility will focus on commercial-scale egg production research, including cage-free housing systems, animal welfare, productivity, genetics, and egg quality.
A second facility will be developed on NC State's Raleigh campus. This location will include laboratories, processing equipment, and training areas aimed at advancing research and workforce education. It will also support professional development opportunities and inspector training programs.
A key feature of the processing center will be advanced grading and processing technology capable of handling tens of thousands of eggs per hour. The equipment will provide researchers and students with hands-on experience using systems commonly found in modern egg production operations.
The integrated approach will allow researchers to study the complete egg production process, from farm operations to processing and packaging. This broader view is expected to help identify opportunities to improve efficiency, product quality, and food safety throughout the supply chain.
The program will also encourage collaboration among poultry scientists, engineers, veterinarians, food safety specialists, and other experts. Bringing multiple disciplines together can help solve complex industry challenges and accelerate innovation.
North Carolina is well positioned to support the initiative because agriculture remains one of the state's most important economic sectors. The state also has a strong history of poultry production and agricultural research.
Industry support has played an important role in moving the project forward. Egg producers, technology companies and agricultural organizations have contributed funding and expertise to help establish the facilities and support future operations.
Beyond research, the NEST Program is expected to help prepare for the next generation of industry professionals. Students, regulators, and employees will have access to training opportunities that reflect current industry practices and technologies.
The project also aims to improve communication and cooperation between researchers, industry leaders, and government agencies. This collaboration can help speed up the adoption of new technologies and strengthen food safety standards across the industry.
As construction and development plans move ahead, the NEST Program is expected to become a valuable national resource for the egg sector. By supporting research, innovation and workforce development in one integrated environment, the initiative could help shape the future of egg production in the United States.
Photo Credit: pexels-nc-mark-stebnicki