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Value Added Agriculture, An Emerging Area for Economic Development Pilot Mountain Pride Project T. Bryan Cave County Extension Director Surry County Center, NCCE
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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;
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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
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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
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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)
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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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Partners
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Thank You! www.pilotmountainpride.com
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Stay in Touch Website: www.pilotmountainpride.com Blog: www.pilotmountainpride.blogspot.com Facebook: search “Pilot Mountain Pride” Email: sales@pilotmountainpride.com Phone: (336) 444-8000 Fax: (336) 444-8001 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1041, Pilot Mountain, NC, 27041
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