Exclusively funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
Kaleb Rathbone Value-Added Options through Frozen Strawberries and Direct Marketing Beef Grant Award: $6,000 Kaleb is increasing sales of strawberries and beef through direct marketing. He is purchasing packaging equipment and a commercial freezer, which allows him to market products … View >>
Annie Martin, Mountain Moss Green Alternatives for WNC Farmers: Eco-friendly Mosses Grant Award: $3,000 Annie is establishing a moss nursery to meet the expected demand for eco-friendly mosses in sustainable landscaping projects. To grow her business, which designs and installs … View >>
Amy Johnston, Springhouse Farm Produce Stand Grant Award: $3,000 Amy is building a permanent produce stand on her farm, where she has had great success with direct sales due to the heavy traffic on her road. A permanent produce stand, … View >>
Charlie & Barbara Kissling Natural Farm-Raised Beef – Grant Award: $3,000 The Kisslings have raised beef cattle and ornamentals since 1997, are small business owners, and have 25 years of experience in food service. With the award, they will market … View >>
Kathy S. & Daniel Tinsley, Slagle Farm Wool & Asparagus – Grant Award: $3,000 “I really appreciate the grant. It has really spurred me along to look at the business side of the farm.” ~ Kathy Tinsley Since 1954, Kathy … View >>
Roger Frye & John Slayton Grassy Creek Blueberry Patch – Grant Award: $6,000 “The grant kept us in business. We could not afford to buy the new plants and come out ahead.” ~ John Slayton Roger has grown blueberries since … View >>
Harold F. Paxton, French Broad Garden Center Roadside Retail Sales Lot Establishment – Grant Award: $6,000 “The grant allowed us to do the advertising we needed to do, and basically set us on track for direct sales. Without it, we … View >>
Bobby Williams of Graham County is starting a nursery specializing in native plants. He propagates more than 200 varieties, often times from seed collected in his nearby woods. He sells to nurseries, farmers’ markets and individuals, advertising in local newspapers. … View >>
Dianne Tolman, owner of Big Pine Native Gardens in Madison County, is making her native plants and herbs business self-sufficient so that she relies little on other businesses for propagation materials. With the grant, she purchased materials and created marketing … View >>
Clay County nursery operator, Mary Janis, used the WNC Ag Options Grant to help support the nursery’s expansion through funding marketing efforts and a new tissue culture lab. Visit www.SanctuaryNativePlants.com Clay County Contact the Local Extension Agent
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 >>
Scott Paquin is an organic farmer in Yancey County; Scott was awarded the WNC Ag Options Grant to increase the diversity of his farming operation. With the grant, Scott will increase season extension and help widen his client base through … View >>
Burson’s Corner Farm is owned and operated by Scott and Colleen Burson. The Burson’s farm serves the Atlanta and Asheville metropolitan areas with organic vegetable starts, flowers, herbs, nursery plants and handmade soaps and lotions. The diversified farm is … View >>
Frank Payne is a member of the Watauga County Nurserymen’s Association and active participants in the county’s Choose-and-Cut industry. He has been working to develop more effective ways to market the “Choose-and-Cut Experience” to prospective clients from North Carolina and … View >>
G. Ploeger with her husband Robert started Cane Creek Asparagus Company to provide high quality vegetables to a niche market in their area. Through this grant program Cane Creek Asparagus Company has expanded production and marketing outreach. Expected income … View >>
J. Hooper and C. Rector are looking ahead to create supplemental income for their farm. They have created a long range plan including crop production and marketing ideas. Jackie and Charlene used their grant money to cover costs for seedlings, … View >>