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October 30, 2026

With a $111 billion annual contribution to our state’s economy, agriculture helps drive a major share of North Carolina’s economic success — representing one-sixth of our state’s overall income. It is a powerhouse industry that continues to be a major employer for the state, providing jobs to 16% of employees in North Carolina.*

Ranked 9th in the U.S. for value of agricultural products sold, the agriculture industry is and will remain critical to North Carolina’s reputation as an economic leader in the Southeast. However, farmers and agricultural businesses across the state recognize that they must adapt to a changing workforce, evolving technology, and the latest state and federal regulations to continue thriving within their sector. The NC Chamber’s Ag Allies Conference addresses these issues to ensure the industry as a whole can keep its wheels in motion for the continued prosperity of the state.

*Data derived from the North Carolina State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Learn how the NC Chamber is advocating for our state’s agriculture and agribusiness communities here.

 

Presented By
  • BASF Ag Allies Logo

Agenda

Friday, October 30
8:00 amRegistration, Breakfast, and Networking
8:30 amWelcome Remarks
8:45 amAg Economic Outlook

Bart Fischer, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center, Texas A&M University

9:45 amQuick Hit: NC Ag Leads – In Motion

Scott Hamilton, President, Golden LEAF Foundation

10:15 amNetworking Break
10:40 amFood Manufacturing in NC – A Symmetrical Opportunity for Ag?
11:15 amKeynote
12:10 pmLunch and Networking
1:00 pmQuick Hit
1:20 pmThe American Meat Industry in Transition
  • Ray Starling, General Counsel, NC Chamber, and President, NC Chamber Legal Institute
  • Julie Anna Potts, President & CEO, Meat Institute, Member of the Penn State University Board of Trustees, and Board Member of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
2:10 pmClosing Remarks & Adjourn