Advancing Extension’s Agricultural Programming Statewide

Jan 19, 2026

By David Monks

I’m excited to share news of an important initiative that will strengthen NC State Extension’s agricultural programming and support for North Carolina farmers for years to come.

NC Ag Leads is a statewide, industry-led effort that brings together agriculture, education, business and government partners to strengthen North Carolina’s agricultural economy. This partnership formed around a shared recognition that North Carolina’s agricultural support systems must become more coordinated, strategic and responsive to today’s realities.

Working alongside industry partners such as the Golden LEAF Foundation, NC Chamber Foundation, NC Farm Bureau, and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, NC State helped inform the NC Ag Leads Strategic Plan for North Carolina Agriculture. Announced last spring, the plan identifies the industry’s most pressing needs and recommended strategies, including a more dynamic approach for aligning and deploying Extension’s agricultural expertise in the counties.

I’ve discussed early details for this work with local Extension leadership, and am now sharing broader context, clarity and next steps for all Extension employees.

Source : ncsu.edu

Video: When is Sustainable Packaging Coming in the Canadian Agri Food Industry? 3 Critical Perspectives

Canada’s regulatory landscape on single-use plastics is complex but a recent ruling by the Federal Court of Appeal sided with the government’s intent to eliminate single-use plastics. What does this mean for the Canadian agri-food industry? How can companies find the right balance between regulatory compliance and implementing costly alternative solutions? What are retailers and consumers saying about sustainable packaging? This webinar features Joshua Goodman, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Sobeys; Marie-Anne Champoux-Guimond, Director of Sustainability, Keurig Dr Pepper Canada and Glenford Jameson, Canadian Food Lawyer, G.S. Jameson and Company

This 60-minute webinar brings together three industry leaders to examine the opportunities, challenges, and realities of the path forward. In this session, you will gain insights into:

•Canada’s regulatory roadmap and timeline on eliminating single-use plastics

•Current end-of-life solutions for plastics and alternative packaging solutions

•The need to have a corporate strategy that aligns with reality at the retail shelves

•How major brands and retailers are pivoting

•Supply chain considerations

•Common misconceptions