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 flowers, they also see that we have produce.” ~ Rayenelle Ritchie
Wilson Farms cultivates approximately 100 acres in the Cane Creek Valley area of Fairview. The family has had a long history of growing tobacco until 2003, and produced fruits & vegetables since 1992. The farm is currently transitioning markets from wholesale to an on-site store.
With the award, Rayenelle and her family will install a greenhouse operation to provide heirloom tomato and pepper transplants, herbs bedding plants, annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, and poinsettias. They will also expand the current on-farm store, adding road signage, a cooler, a covered porch, and miscellaneous equipment. Rayenelle has established markets for the poinsettias in the local school system.
Rayenelle is noticing the benefits of the grant project to both her family and business.
Contact the Local Extension Agent