North Carolina has launched a new economic development platform naming the state as the “AgBio [sphere], the complete ecosystem for ag biotechnology” that seeks to educate prospective agricultural biotechnology ventures about North Carolina’s ag biotech assets while streamlining market entry for research and business interests.

The initiative was announced Nov. 5 at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center in Research Triangle Park. It is designed to further position North Carolina as a global leader in the field of agricultural biotechnology.

“North Carolina’s agricultural roots, diverse assets and industry advantages position this state as the best global location for any ag biotech venture,” said Dr. Richard Linton, dean of North Carolina State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the Nov 5 launch.

“This new engagement platform further solidifies our global leadership and commitment to supporting and serving organizations looking for a new home. It’s a great way to welcome folks to North Carolina—the complete ecosystem for ag biotechnology,” Linton added.

Jacob Traverse, enterprise and technology development director for the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, said the most important component of  AgBio[sphere] is a process called “AgBio Acceleration” that is a free, one-stop consultative process designed to help ag biotechnology companies that want to do business or research in North Carolina.

“AgBio Acceleration is comprised of members from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, North Carolina BioNetwork, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and North Carolina Department of Commerce,” Traverse said.  “Interested ag biotechnology corporations can access AgBio Acceleration on the AgBio [sphere]’s newly launched website, www.agbiosphere.com."

Traverse said the AgBio [sphere] and AgBio Acceleration process promise to grow North Carolina’s already flourishing ag biotechnology community and to strengthen North Carolina’s global presence in the industry.

North Carolina is currently home to more than 80 ag biotechnology companies that employ more than 8,000 people. The state is generally considered the global leader in ag biotechnology.

“North Carolina farmers grow more than 80 different cop varieties and are leaders in poultry and hog production,” said North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “I think ag biotech companies benefit from our strengths in agriculture and in turn our farmers benefit from the new technologies these organizations develop. North Carolina farms feed the world and having a strong ag biotech community helps our farmers continue to grow and thrive.”

North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Sharon Alred Decker said the state is in a great position to train and educate ag biotech professionals due to its extensive education and workforce development systems. “Training people for ag biotech jobs is a top priority. North Carolina has invested $135 million in biotech workforce training just in the last decade alone.”