Exclusively funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission

2026 Recipient: The Berry Farm, LLC

The Berry Farm, LLC Irrigation Upgrade and Value-Added Expansions Grant Award: $10,000 The Berry Farm is a Pick-Your-Own farm with an on-site farm stand. After operating for over 25 years the irrigation infrastructure is no longer functioning properly. When she had … View >>

2021 Recipient: KT’s Orchard and Apiary

KT, KT’s Orchard and Apiary Apple Sorting and Packing Project: Upgrading Farm Efficiency Grant Award: $6,000 Having already purchased a used apple sorter from a neighboring county’s N.C. Cooperative Extension Center, KT will be converting an existing barn into an … View >>

2020 Recipient: Jeter Mountain Farm

Tyler Hunsader, Jeter Mountain Farm Juice (Cider) Operations Grant Award: $6,000 Jeter Mountain Farm has diversified their farm with the opening of a new 30 acre U-pick apple operation in 2020. From research done the past three years at multiple … View >>

2019 Recipient: McConnell Farms

Danny McConnell, McConnell Farms Custom Labeling Project Grant Award: $6,000 In addition to selling fresh fruits and vegetables, McConnell Farms, an established diversified family farm, offers a wide range of value-added products including ice creams, jams, preserves, fruit butters, acetified … View >>

2018 Recipient: Locally Good Farm

Stephanie Poetter, Locally Good Farm Vinegar Production Expansion Grant Award: $6,000 To increase production to meet demand of locally produced apple-cider vinegar, Locally Good Farm expanded their vinegar production facility and started a ¼ acre orchard. Until they received the … View >>

2017 Recipient: The Lily Patch Farm

Susan Owen and Charles Coffey, The Lily Patch Farm Expanding Organic Production of Pawpaws Grant Award: $6,000 Susan expanded her current pawpaw production by planting additional trees, doubling the size of her orchard so that she is more than halfway … View >>

2017 Recipient: Henry’s Farm

Dwight Clifton Henry, Henry’s Farm Smoky Mountain Orchard Grant Award: $6,000 Dwight added an acre of apple and pear trees to his 37-acre farm, in which he raises cattle, hogs and vegetables. He expects to generate income after the fourth … View >>

2016 Recipient: TK Family Farm

Jon D. Klimstra, TK Family Farm High-Density Trellised Apple Orchard Grant Award: $6,000 Jon has diversified his 15-acre farm with a high density trellised apple orchard. This orchard style allows for higher yields in a shorter amount of time than … View >>