North carolina state university will use an innovative strategy for strengthening poultry biosecurity on north carolina farms by equipping small-scale farmers and educators with essential tools and…

North Carolina State University received a $243,515 Cooperative Agreement award from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025), effective August 25, 2025, with a completion date of August 24, 2027. The award supports an innovative poultry biosecurity strengthening initiative designed to equip small-scale farmers, youth, and agricultural extension agents in North Carolina with essential tools, training, and resources to enhance biosecurity practices on poultry farms.

The project delivers enhanced biosecurity training and educational resources targeted at three key audiences: youth, agriculture extension agents, and small-scale poultry farmers. Through engagement of local poultry producer networks, the initiative aims to facilitate widespread adoption of biosecurity practices that will strengthen the resilience and sustainability of poultry production across North Carolina. The expected outcomes include improved biosecurity measures on farms, a safer poultry and egg supply chain, and protection of the economic interests and livelihoods of the state's poultry farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

North carolina state university will use an innovative strategy for strengthening poultry biosecurity on north carolina farms by equipping small-scale farmers and educators with essential tools and resources to improve biosecurity. The project team will engage local networks of poultry producers to enhance widespread adoption of biosecurity practices. The project includes enhanced biosecurity training for youth, agriculture extension agents, and small-scale poultry farmers. The project will lead to more resilient and sustainable poultry production in north carolina and protect the state's poultry producers and industry. IT will also ensure a safe poultry and EGG supply and protect the livelihoods and economic opportunities of north carolina's farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.