Dr. Katherine Drake Stowe has been named executive director of the Farmer Innovation Bridge, an initiative of NC Ag Leads focused on putting North Carolina farmers at the center of agricultural innovation.

In this role, Stowe will lead efforts to accelerate the development, testing, and adoption of practical solutions that address real-world needs on North Carolina farms, beginning with the challenges and opportunities farmers identify as most important to their operations.

Stowe brings extensive experience in agricultural research, collaboration, and industry partnerships. Prior to joining the NC Chamber Foundation, she spent 10 years with the Soy Checkoff, most recently serving as director of collaboration and partnerships at the United Soybean Board. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and both a master’s degree and doctorate in crop science from NC State University.

Raised on a farm in eastern North Carolina, Stowe brings a personal understanding of the challenges facing farmers and has built her career around supporting their success.

“As the number one industry in the state, agriculture is a cornerstone of North Carolina’s economic success,” said Meredith Archie, president of the NC Chamber Foundation. “Katherine brings an exceptional combination of subject matter expertise, industry experience, and a deep understanding of the needs of North Carolina farmers. Her leadership will be instrumental in connecting farmers with innovative solutions that support their long-term success and strengthen the future of North Carolina agriculture.”

The Farmer Innovation Bridge is an initiative of NC Ag Leads, a statewide effort led by the NC Chamber Foundation with support from the Golden LEAF Foundation, North Carolina Farm Bureau, and Google to strengthen the future of North Carolina agriculture. Under the leadership of NC Chamber General Counsel Ray Starling, NC Ag Leads continues to translate priorities identified through its strategic planning process into action to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the state’s agriculture industry.

The Farmer Innovation Bridge is supported by the Golden LEAF Foundation and the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

Learn more about NC Ag Leads and the Farmer Innovation Bridge at ncagricultureleads.com.