The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has awarded $4.3 million in federal funds to Cardinal Foods, a business based in Pender County. The funds are part of a $12.4 million state initiative aimed at increasing “value-added goods and products manufactured in the state,” supporting local agricultural industries and boosting the state’s food supply chain.

This funding will allow Cardinal Foods to expand its sweet potato processing capabilities, benefiting both farmers and consumers. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler highlighted that the project will create more jobs, reduce production costs for farmers, and attract private investments to North Carolina’s agricultural sector.