North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are proud to support agricultural members and community partners who are finding new, smarter ways to grow and operate. Today’s farms look very different than they did even a decade ago. Technology, innovative electrification and controlled environments are playing an increasing role in food production as farmers work to manage rising costs, labor challenges and changing conditions.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are proud to support agricultural members and community partners who are finding new, smarter ways to grow and operate.

One example of this innovation is a partnership between my co-op, Four County EMC, and James Sprunt Community College on its Indoor Agriculture “Box to Bowl” project. This initiative uses a controlled, container-based growing system to produce fresh food year-round. By pairing modern agricultural techniques with reliable electric service, the project demonstrates how indoor agriculture can provide consistent yields while using space and resources efficiently (“From Box to Bowl,” October 2024).

The Box to Bowl project was made possible through collaborative funding from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund, Duplin County, Four County EMC and North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. Beyond food production, the project supports education and workforce development, giving students hands-on experience with emerging agricultural technologies and preparing them for careers in modern agriculture right here in our community.

At Four County EMC, we also recognize that innovation looks different for every operation. That’s why we have an innovative electrification specialist on staff to help connect members with new technologies in the agricultural space — from energy-efficient equipment and electrified processes to emerging tools that improve productivity and resilience. Having a dedicated resource allows us to work one-on-one with members as they explore solutions that fit their unique needs.

Innovation in agriculture isn’t just about new tools — it’s about adaptability and long-term resilience. Electrification plays a growing role in powering precision systems, climate controls and indoor growing environments that help reduce risk and increase efficiency. Electric co-ops are partnering with local agricultural producers across the state, bringing innovation to everything from egg production in Hyde County (Tideland EMC and Rose Acre Farms) to an Anson County Farm (Pee Dee Electric and White Rock Farms), and a produce distributor in Western NC (Surry-Yadkin EMC and Hollar & Greene Produce).

On National Ag Day, we celebrate the people and partnerships helping move agriculture forward. North Carolina’s electric co-ops are proud to be part of that effort — today and for generations to come.