Exclusively funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
Niki Irving, Flourish Flower Farm Walk-in Floral Cooler Grant Award: $6,000 Niki will be building a much-needed professional walk-in floral cooler. Refrigeration is one of the most important aspects of running a high quality floral business. With the new larger … View >>
Michael and Lauren Rayburn, Rayburn Farms Drying and Packing Facility Grant Award: $6,000 Rayburn Farm will convert an existing 12 x 30 square foot modular shed to a two-room facility that will include a drying room/kiln and packing and storage … View >>
Heather Bryant and Kris Gupton, High Country Herbs Greenhouse and Transplanter Upgrades Grant Award: $6,000 High Country Herbs will build on their successful 2019 AgOptions grant project by upgrading their greenhouse and purchasing a transplanter. With their past grant, Heather … View >>
Heather and Kris Gupton, High Country Herbs Farm Mechanization Grant Award: $6,000 To increase production and reduce labor costs, the Guptons have transitioned to mechanized farm production and adding a Caterpillar Tunnel to their 4-acre operation. They had previously done … View >>
Evan Chender, The Culinary Gardener BSC Tractor and Implements Upgrade Grant Award: $6,000 Evan has purchased a walk-behind tractor and implements to expand his operation from two-tenths of an acre to one acre, which should double his sales in one … View >>
Michael and Lauren Rayburn, Rayburn Farms Herb Expansion Grant Award: $6,000 Michael and Lauren have expanded their production of field basil to keep up with customer demand. To do so they made major improvements to their growing system to better … View >>
Susan is adding a 30-foot by 96-foot heated greenhouse specifically for growing vegetable and herb transplants in organic potting soils with organic fertilizer and pest control methods. The separate greenhouse prevents cross-contamination with conventionally raised nursery crops. Purchases include a … View >>
Karen Taylor, Taylors Greenhouse Herbal Options Grant Award: $3,000 Karen is broadening her customers’ knowledge of herbs by selling culinary and medicinal herbal plants as well as hosting hands-on workshops where participants work closely with the herbs. Each month, … View >>
Rayenelle Ritchie, Wilson Farms Greenhouses and Farm Store Expansion – Grant Award: $6,000 “The kids are helping out – they like working in the greenhouse. And it’s given us a wider customer base. When people come to the farm for … View >>
Marsha Crites, Harvest Moon Gardens Herbs and Perennials – Grant Award: $6,000 Marsha has been in the nursery business for nearly 20 years, and now operates a day retreat for local businesses and non-profits. For the WNC AgOptions project, she … View >>
Nancy Odell, Geowild Mountain Native Plants – Grant Award: $3,000 “Without the grant, this wouldn’t have been possible. The project would have gone on hold – without having the funds to buy the actual structure.” ~ Nancy Odell Nancy, who … View >>
Mike Glover Sleepy Hollow Farm Greenhouse – Grant Award: $3,000 “The grant allowed me to get the greenhouse to start plants earlier. The growing season here, especially for gourds, is limited. Sometimes 2-3 weeks really makes a difference. Growing the … View >>
Chris and Rachel Leek of Haywood County are propagating flowers and herbs on their urban lot to sell to restaurants, retailers and individuals. With the grant, they are constructing a small greenhouse and installing a drip irrigation system using water … View >>
Dianne Tolman, owner of Big Pine Native Gardens in Madison County, is making her native plants and herbs business self-sufficient so that she relies little on other businesses for propagation materials. With the grant, she purchased materials and created marketing … View >>
Doug and Renee Lambrecht, owners of Bearpen Farm, are expanding production of wasabi, which they sell nationwide to natural grocers and individuals through realwasabi.com. Doug is constructing greenhouses that are specially designed for the growing conditions wasabi desires. Jackson … View >>
Joseph and Catt RedCloud of the Cherokee Reservation are expanding their herbal salves and syrups business with their grant. They offer educational workshops that highlight native Cherokee growing traditions. EBCI Contact the Local Extension Agent