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MOUNT OLIVE – A long-running agricultural training camp at the University of Mount Olive is getting a major boost, thanks to a $175,000 grant from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.
“We are grateful for the continued partnership with the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission to offer another three years of the (Supervised Agricultural Experience) SAE Institute at the University of Mount Olive,” said Edward Olive, Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center director.
The SAE Institute has evolved into more than just a summer camp at UMO, it has become a statewide pipeline for cultivating future agricultural leaders. Hosted by the Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center in partnership with the School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, the program serves as a bridge between classroom instruction and the real-world demands of a modern, rapidly changing agricultural industry.
SAE Institute sets itself apart with its emphasis on immersive, experience-based learning. Participants are introduced to everything from agribusiness operations and research initiatives to service-learning projects and student-led entrepreneurial ventures. These hands-on opportunities give participants a deeper understanding of agriculture’s complexity while encouraging them to envision their own place within the field.
“Watching students grow through hands-on experiences reminds me why I fell in love with this field,” said Sarah Johnson, Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center assistant director. “I am humbled to be a part of a team that is helping the next generation find their place in agriculture.”
For students, the institute often serves as the first opportunity to see how their interests can fit into an agricultural career. Through eight previous camps, 191 students have taken part in activities that go far beyond traditional instruction. The institute has provided professional development to 111 teachers, equipping them with tools to guide Supervised Agricultural Experience projects.
Leaders behind the program note that its success hinges not only on its curriculum but on the enthusiasm participants bring with them.
“Each year, I am inspired by the innovation and creativity that students bring with their ideas and their desire to continue growing and learning,” said Olive. “Teachers bring a passion for lifelong learning so that they can pass that knowledge on to help their students even more.”
Rep. Jimmy Dixon also praised UMO for preparing young people to understand and teach where their food comes from. “It is a great honor… to support the University of Mount Olive’s SAE program,” he said.
Offered at no cost, the next institute is scheduled for July 2026.
“The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission has been a steadfast partner in supporting agricultural innovation, workforce development, and rural revitalization,” said UMO President H. Edward Croom. “Its investment in the SAE Institute reflects a shared vision to ensure that agriculture continues to thrive as a vital part of North Carolina’s economy and heritage.”
