WNC Agricultural Options Program

WNC AgOptions strives to build sustainable farming communities in our mountain region by providing resources directly to farmers who are diversifying and expanding their operations.

Goals: Assist tobacco farmers & those in tobacco-dependent communities. Minimize financial risk in crop transition. Provide production, marketing & business management assistance. Offer demonstration to the agricultural community.

Accomplishments Between 2004 and 2008, 169 farmers received mini-grants between $2,500 and $5,000. Eighteen counties/units served. CARA 2006 Economic Impact Study shows economic benefit to farmers. Between 2009 and 2011, WNC AgOptions will partner with RAFI-USA’s Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund to continue the award program.

2009 Award Cycle $3,000, $6,000 & $9,000 awards offered in $6,000 & $9,000 recipients will complete business plan. $9,000 awards are to support large budget projects, at least $45,000. Projects should be well researched & provide demonstration opportunities for ag community. Priority given to applicants with tobacco history and active farming experience.

Sampling of 2008 WNC AgOptions Projects Livestock Fruits & Vegetables Season Extension & Value Added Nurseries/ Ornamentals Agri-tourism Beekeeping

WNC AgOptions Projects - LIVESTOCK Scott Paquin of Firefly Farm in Yancey County will sell grass-fed beef (left) to his CSA customers. He is raising a heritage breed, Devon. Ron and Cheryl Searcy of Transylvania County (right) fence goats on clients’ properties to control unwanted brush.

WNC AgOptions Projects - LIVESTOCK Andrew Jones of Clay County (top left) is growing his goat operation from a hobby to a small business by building shelter and constructing fencing. Corn & pumpkin farmer Ed Wood of Cherokee County (bottom & right) is renovating his pasture and establishing facilities to raise grass-finished cattle.

WNC AgOptions Projects - FRUITS & VEG Robin Smith of Bee Log Berries & Produce in Yancey County (top left) is installing a greenhouse for vegetable plant transplants. Michael Creason of Jackson County (bottom left) is establishing a U-Pick blueberry operation. Harold and Nancy Long of the Cherokee Reservation are growing organic and heirloom vegetables (right) and for local restaurants and markets.

WNC AgOptions Projects - SEASON EXTENSION & VALUE-ADDED Gaelen Corozine of Green Toe Ground in Yancey County (top left) has constructed high tunnels to grow tender crops in the cool weather. Annie Perkinson of Flying Cloud Farm in Buncombe County (top right) is using the shared-use commercial equipment of Blue Ridge Food Ventures to process her strawberries and tomatoes into jams and other products. Cathy and Andy Bennett of Doubletree Farm in Madison County (bottom images) are building a sweet sorghum processing operation.

WNC AgOptions Projects - NURSERIES/ ORNAMENTALS Hardin Wrenn of Madison County (top left) is building an energy-efficient and water-saving greenhouse for the production of mums. Bobby Williams of Graham County (bottom left) has started a nursery specializing in natives. John & Lisa Leatherwood of Haywood County (right) added rhododendrons to their farm operation.

WNC AgOptions Projects - AGRI-TOURISM Matt Rhea, owner of Cold Mountain Trout Company in Haywood County, is attracting visitors to his farm by constructing a demonstration stream, fishing area, hiking trail and picnic tables. The additional agri-tourism income helps him recover from losses due to the droughts of 2007 & 2008.

WNC AgOptions Projects - BEEKEEPING Kelley Penn and Quinton Ellison of Swain County (top left) have expanded their bee yard, raising naturally mite resistant honeybees for local beekeepers. Keith Chappel of Transylvania County has re-established his bee hives (bottom left) to make honey for sale. Mike Singleton (right) of Haywood County raises queens and nucs for sale.

What recipients have to say about their experience… “If you don't try, you will never know what you're capable of.” — Bobby Williams “This program has been a blessing and an education. I had no idea of any resources other than the few farmers in the area. The resources provided by this grant have been excellent!” — Andrew Jones

“I want to keep my farm going. It’s in my blood, and I want farming to be there for my two teenage sons if they want it.” — John Leatherwood, whose family’s income solely comes from farming.

N.C. Cooperative Extension Madison County Center 258 Carolina Lane Marshall, NC (828) x305