Exclusively funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission

2020 Recipient: Causby Greenhouse

Jerry W. Causby, Causby Greenhouse Greenhouse Improvements Grant Award: $6,000 Once a thriving greenhouse business and an important part of the community, production at Causby Greenhouse has decreased over the past years. In order to increase production of vegetables and … View >>

2016 Recipient: Exotic Natives Nursery

Bill Weeks, Exotic Natives Nursery Expanding Markets and Increasing Manageability and Sales of Native Azaleas Grant Award: $6,000 Bill has made critical changes at his nursery to sell off his current inventory of field-grown azaleas, which are mostly native to … View >>

2013 Recipient: D & J Trees

Jack W. Wiseman, Jr., D & J Trees Momi Fir Grafting and Native Ornamental Production Grant Award: $3,000 Jack is helping solve root rot issues that Christmas tree growers commonly deal with by grafting the root-rot tolerant Momi fir species … View >>

2011 Recipient: Jodie and Jeff Zahner

Jodie and Jeff Zahner Oconee Bell Farms Grant Award: $6,000 — Oconee Bells The Zahners are expanding greenhouse space for propagating and first-year growing of the rare native evergreen groundcover Shortia galacifolia, commonly known as Oconee Bells. It is in … View >>

2008 Recipient: Diane Almond

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 >>

2008 Recipient: Ronnie Sparks

Ronnie Sparks of Mitchell County is a lifetime farmer who has created a diverse operation of vegetables and boxwoods as he transitions from tobacco. With the grant, he is expanding his boxwood production. Ronnie anticipates 2008 to be his final … View >>

2006 Recipient: Joel Mowrey

  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 >>

2005 Farm: Kevin Duckett

  Kevin Duckett has been raising tobacco on his family’s land for eighteen years with this father and brother. Mr. Duckett has worked to diversify the farm income by raising cattle, hay and corn. He is now looking at raising … View >>