Exclusively funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
Former tobacco grower in Haywood County, John Leatherwood has expanded tomato and pepper plant production. With the Ag Options grant, John constructed a wood-burning stove for radiant heat in his greenhouses that will significantly reduce fuel costs and help sustain … View >>
Former tobacco growers in Swain County, the Cochran Family used the WNC Ag Options Grant towards the construction of a larger greenhouse. The Cochran’s expanded their tomato crop to cover the acres where tobacco was formerly grown. Swain County … View >>
Retrofitting greenhouse to grow specialty tomatoes during off-season. Haywood County Contact the Local Extension Agent
Donald Woodby and Charles Conley were full time tobacco farmers who have started a boxwood nursery to transition from tobacco. Boxwood production is one of the many possible solutions to creating a living from the land. Through the support … View >>
Billy and Pam Zimmerman raised tobacco on their farm for 32 years. The idea of raising and selling berries on the tobacco fields started six years ago and has now become an exciting agri-tourism experience. With the support of … View >>
Charles and Donald are full time farmers who have grown tobacco for years. With the help of their local NC Cooperative Extension agents, Jean Harrison, Stanley Holloway, and Claude Deyton, they will be building a cold-frame greenhouse to root … View >>
Dickie Jarret has created a radiant heating system for the floor of his greenhouse in addition to installing lights to extend his nursery’s growing season. With the help from his local NC Cooperative Extension agent Jerry Moody, in Avery … View >>
Doyle and Janet have recently started a new business Happy Valley Farms where they specialize in hot-house tomatoes production. The income from the tomatoes sales when supply is normally low will help keep this family economically viable in the … View >>
Jena is preparing to expand into the retail market with her organic vegetable production to become more economically sustainable in the future. Expected income totals $16,300 in next 2 years. J. Roberts is developing a new relationship with her … View >>
After spending most of his life farming tobacco, John Jenkins is ready to “plow new fields.” With help from his county extension agent and this grant, John is looking to break into the organic and native plants market by … View >>