Value Added Agriculture, An Emerging Area for Economic Development Pilot Mountain Pride Project T. Bryan Cave County Extension Director Surry County Center, NCCE

Facts Agriculture represents 25% of Surry County’s economy and 20% of the employment base, but this is not broadly recognized; The average age of a farmer in Surry is 60 The average value of infrastructure on a farm in Surry is over $650,000

Facts Farmers are searching for new markets for diversification or new crop opportunities; Young people interested in agriculture don’t have access to the necessary capital, but do have the ability to start small or hone new skills on the family farm

Facts The average item on a grocery store shelf has travelled 1500 miles before you purchase it; We spend 9% of our annual income in the U.S. on food; Our region is ideal for growing a variety of produce and the greater Winston-Salem area is ripe for local food initiatives

The Perfect Storm Discussions about the concept began in 2003 between NCCE and County Government; Local farmers looking for ways to diversify; produce an option; No local food movement in the greater Winston-Salem area; Concept reemerges during the 2006 NC STEP planning process; Pilot Center project being considered by the Town in 2008; Golden LEAF CAI begins in 2008; County hires Agribusiness expert to conduct study in 2008; Study confirms desire for local food within the region; Concept awarded funds by Golden LEAF for building up-fit; Other grant agencies interested in funding local foods initiatives; Concept becomes a reality

How Will It Work? PMP develops markets for locally grown produce; Participating farmers receive GAP training; Farmers harvest produce and transport it to PMP; PMP only handles acceptable quality produce; At this point, the farmer has fulfilled their obligations;

How Will It Work? PMP washes and packages the produce; PMP delivers produce to end users; PMP retains 20% of wholesale price for operations; Farmer receives a check within days from PMP; PMP works with end user on payment policy

Impacts Year 1 gross sales approaching $325,000 Year 1 receipts to growers approaching $250,000 of NEW income Young farmer growth and development Local purchasing and business support Community cohesion “Indigenous Entrepreneurship” 1 full-time and 3 part-time positions WFU/NC DOC Economic Impact Assessment Extension recognition

Funding Surry County (Marketing Study) $21,000 Surry County $50,000+ (in-kind) Surry County Farm Bureau Board $23,500+ NC Department of Agriculture $28,000 Golden Leaf $190,000 (two separate grants) NC Tobacco Trust Fund $75,000 NC Rural Center $75,000 USDA $75,000 Surry Telephone $500, plus in-kind of $2,000+ WFU School of Law $48,000 (in-kind) NC Tobacco Trust Fund/SCC $40,000 (two grants)

Pilot Mountain Pride PMP is a LLC with a single member, the Surry County Economic Development Foundation, Inc.; It is not designed to be county funded It is not a cooperative The Foundation is a non- profit so PMP is considered a non-profit

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