Opening the Doors to Plant Science Innovation

Through the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative, NC State is working with partners to solve grand agricultural challenges.

Our vision: To improve the world through plant science innovation

Our mission: To be the world’s premier plant sciences enterprise, accelerating plant science discovery, talent development and applied solutions to agricultural challenges through interdisciplinary, team-based science

Our guiding principle: To achieve excellence in the research we conduct, in teaching and training future plant science leaders, and in the extension of knowledge and science-based practices that improve outcomes for all

We tackle grand food and agricultural challenges. Through interdisciplinary plant science research, education and outreach, we advance plant sciences to increase crop yields, create new plant varieties, extend growing seasons and enhance agricultural and environmental sustainability.

We redefine team science. Ensuring a healthier, well-fed world is a complex, multifaceted challenge requiring inclusive diversity of thought, experience and expertise. Our bold approach brings the brightest minds in academia, government and industry together to solve food and agricultural problems.

We activate data and technology. We harness the power of data and technology in all aspects of teaching, research and application to help scientists, educators and farmers make real-time, data-driven decisions. We develop and invest in research and outreach infrastructure that is flexible, expandable and upgradeable to accept and incorporate new technologies.

We extend knowledge and results. Thought leadership alone won’t feed, clothe, heal and fuel a growing population. We deliver tangible impacts. Through NC State Extension and international programs, our faculty relay agricultural challenges to N.C. PSI research teams and translate research-based knowledge into everyday solutions and practices.

We thrive through partnerships. Our Think and Do, business-friendly culture makes it easy for partners of all kinds to collaborate with us. We work side by side with leaders in the private, public and nonprofit sectors to propel cutting-edge research and scholarship that changes lives, creates jobs, improves outcomes for producers and brings discoveries to market.

We develop plant science leaders. PSI is committed to developing future plant sciences leaders equipped and ready to tackle stark challenges for food, agriculture, energy and the environment. We provide a unique training ground for a new breed of problem solvers. Our scholarship programs, internships and collaborative graduate fellowships pave the way for an agile future workforce.

Agriculture and agribusiness built North Carolina, and the NC PSI will keep it growing.

• Food, fiber and forestry account for a sixth of the state’s income and employees.
• North Carolina is the third most agriculturally diverse state. It produces a tremendous array of crops.
• As home to three major research universities — NC State, Duke and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill — the state’s Research Triangle is rich in the kind of multidisciplinary expertise needed to make the region the world leader in plant sciences.
• North Carolina is also home to more than 80 agtech companies.

• NC State’s plant breeding program has a global footprint, developing a wide array of agronomic and horticultural crops and developing advanced breeding protocols used by breeders worldwide.
• The University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and its government partner, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, operate a network of 18 geographically unique research stations having unique climates and soils. With these stations, we can mimic nearly every climate and growing condition in the world. We also conduct research on farm fields across the state and around the globe.
• CALS has 10 field laboratories that include bioresource and genomic labs, greenhouses, a phytotron and a feed mill for research and education. It also is home to centers and consortia related to environmental farming systems, plants for human health, plant breeding, food animal nutrition, integrated fungal, pest and animal waste management — and more.
• With agents serving all of the state’s 100 counties, NC State Extension provides farmers have direct access to information and counsel about the latest NC State developments in agricultural science and technology.
• With 2-year, 4-year and graduate programs, CALS creates an active pipeline of talent for academia, industry and government.