Exclusively funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
Bill Weeks, Exotic Natives Nursery Expanding Markets and Increasing Manageability and Sales of Native Azaleas Grant Award: $6,000 Bill has made critical changes at his nursery to sell off his current inventory of field-grown azaleas, which are mostly native to … View >>
Jack W. Wiseman, Jr., D & J Trees Momi Fir Grafting and Native Ornamental Production Grant Award: $3,000 Jack is helping solve root rot issues that Christmas tree growers commonly deal with by grafting the root-rot tolerant Momi fir species … View >>
Jodie and Jeff Zahner Oconee Bell Farms Grant Award: $6,000 — Oconee Bells The Zahners are expanding greenhouse space for propagating and first-year growing of the rare native evergreen groundcover Shortia galacifolia, commonly known as Oconee Bells. It is in … View >>
Diane Almond, owner of Honey Bees and Heather in Henderson County, is developing her nursery and apiary into an agri-tourism destination and educational resource for local residents. With the grant, she is increasing the number of bee hives and blueberry … View >>
John and Lisa Leatherwood of Haywood County are adding rhododendrons to their tomato and cattle farm. Rhododendrons are new to the Leatherwoods and can be an expensive operation to start, but they have a more secure market than vegetables. The … View >>
Ronnie Sparks of Mitchell County is a lifetime farmer who has created a diverse operation of vegetables and boxwoods as he transitions from tobacco. With the grant, he is expanding his boxwood production. Ronnie anticipates 2008 to be his final … View >>
Agri-Tourism Joel Mowrey was awarded the WNC Ag Options Grant to help him purchase and construct a 3,000 sq. ft. year-round greenhouse production space in Buncombe County. The Mowrey’s will use the greenhouse for the wholesale and retail production … View >>
Kevin Duckett has been raising tobacco on his family’s land for eighteen years with this father and brother. Mr. Duckett has worked to diversify the farm income by raising cattle, hay and corn. He is now looking at raising … View >>