The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations with President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton explores one of the most significant challenges facing North Carolina agriculture: the loss of farmland and what it means for the state’s economy, food systems, and future growth.

The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations with President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton explores one of the most significant challenges facing North Carolina agriculture: the loss of farmland and what it means for the state’s economy, food systems, and future growth. The conversation highlights Ground Truth NC, a new farmland research initiative launched by Golden LEAF and NC Ag Leads to better understand where farmland is being lost, what is driving those changes, and how those shifts impact agricultural production and economic opportunity across the state. In this episode: Ray Starling, General Counsel of the North Carolina Chamber and President of the North Carolina Chamber Legal Institute, discusses the origins of NC Ag Leads, the growing pressures facing agriculture, and why better data is needed to inform farmland preservation strategies and public policy decisions. Vicky Porter, owner of Porter Farms Inc. in Cabarrus County, shares firsthand perspectives on development pressures, the challenges of preserving working farmland, and the importance of educating communities about agriculture’s role in food security, economic vitality, and quality of life. Dr. Raymond Thomas, Assistant Professor and Extension Agricultural Market Specialist at N.C. A&T State University and member of Ground Truth NC’s advisory council, explains how research can help quantify the economic value of farmland, connect agricultural production to broader economic outcomes, and support informed decision-making for the future of North Carolina agriculture. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why farmland preservation is more than an agricultural issue; it is a critical economic development issue that affects food production, business growth, community sustainability, and the long-term prosperity of North Carolina. Listen now to this episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The post Golden LEAF Critical Conversations podcast: The Future of Farmland in North Carolina  appeared first on Golden LEAF Foundation.