Exclusively funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
Marsha Crites, Harvest Moon Gardens Herbs and Perennials – Grant Award: $6,000 Marsha has been in the nursery business for nearly 20 years, and now operates a day retreat for local businesses and non-profits. For the WNC AgOptions project, she … View >>
Doug Harrell, Harrell Hill Farms Agri-Tourism Expansion Grant Award: $3,000 Harrell aims to develop and market an agri-tourism location on his 200-year-old farm so that it has many activities, crops and value-added processing on a year-round basis. For decades, tobacco … View >>
Chris Owen, owner of Spinning Spider Creamery in Madison County, is improving her cheese aging facility so that she can increase her production of hard cheeses. The additions will also make the creamery more inviting to customers. Chris is offering … View >>
Dale Robertson, farm manager of the camp Gwynn Valley in Transylvania County, is automating his milking operation to improve educational opportunities for campers. The clear tubing of his automatic milker allows children at the camp to view the entire milking … 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 >>
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. He is also creating educational opportunities, especially for school children. The … View >>
Agri-Tourism Amy and Jamie Ager, owners of Spring House Meats, are using the WNC Ag Options grant to diversify their farm by adding a corn maze for agri-tourism and offering educational programming to local youth and student groups in … View >>
Agri-Tourism Judith Hansen and Tom Hare of Briar Rose Farm, a diverse 160 acre old mountain farm in Madison County, have used the WNC Ag Options Grant to expand their agri-tourism operation to include a nature trail for farm guests … View >>
Agri-Tourism Bruce DeGroot and Karen Mickler have used the WNC Ag Options Grant to improve the road between their dairy and pottery studio to enhance tourists’ experience on their farm. Yellow Branch Farm is located in Graham County. Visit … 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 >>
Agri-Tourism Jackson County farmer, Norm Dudgeon, has been adding value to saw mill waste products with the WNC Ag Options Grant. Norm produces handcrafted mountain made wood products, such as Adirondack chairs, tables, and swings. Norm hopes that Mountain … View >>
Agri-Tourism Robert Eidus started Eagle Feather Farm, a native botanical sanctuary located in Madison County, in 1993. While expanding into agri-tourism, Robert is using the WNC Ag Options Grant to enhance marketing efforts and advertising. Visit www.eaglefeatherfarm.com Madison County … View >>
Robert and Barbara Reece have grown tobacco in Avery County since 1979. The Reece’s are slowing transitioning out of tobacco as they cut back on production and have been developing and implementing an agri-tourism operation on their farm to supplement … View >>
Agri-Tourism Johnny and Sharon Deyton have raised burley tobacco for over 40 years. Their interest in preserving their family heritage has inspired them to diversify the farm into agri-tourism. With the WNC Ag Options Grant, the Deyton’s have purchased a … View >>
Agri-Tourism Ted Farmer was born on the same farm where he currently lives and works raising Fraser Fir Christmas Trees. Ted’s father before him moved to their family farm in Avery County over 90 years ago. Ted’s great interest in … View >>
The Austin family is the last remaining dairy operation in Yancey and Mitchell Counties. The dairy along with tobacco production has been the primary income source for this family. With the loss of tobacco income their challenge is to … View >>