Grants

Northeastern High School Agriculture and FFA will update the existing 44′ X 84′ Jaderloon polycarbonate greenhouse to include new polycarbonate siding and roofing, fans, heaters, and evaporative cooling pad, update the existing 25′ X 50′ Quonset polyethylene greenhouse to include a new heater, plastic covering, and exhaust shutters, and will build a new 20′ X 46′ raised center barn in the animal science facility to accommodate our growing livestock herd on campus

Current efforts are underway at the Upper Mountain Research Station to construct a metal building on a concrete slab that will serve as the main hub to process, store and distribute the most elite Fraser Fir seed in the world directly to the NC Christmas tree industry. These efforts are currently supported through a TTF grant that was awarded to the project team during the 2022 cycle. The funds requested here as part of the 2023 granting cycle are meant to help offset and supplement the rapidly rising costs of inflation and supplement this initial investment.?,?

Working Landscapes will expand the capabilities and efficiency of our ByWay Foods value-added vegetable processing hub by adding new specialized equipment that enables us to serve broader wholesale markets in North Carolina and Virginia; these improvements will help us to increase sales more than five-fold. We will also increase the financial sustainability of 30 farm suppliers by 1) increasing their access to markets and 2) decreasing their input costs through implementation of soil health practices.?

The Town of Yanceyville collaborating with Caswell County Local Food Council has developed plans for a 15 stall farmers market shelter located at the Yanceyville Pavilion. It includes a cold storage unit and public restrooms. Beginning construction November 2023, it will be completed early 2024. The facility will enable Caswell farmers (and producers from surrounding counties) to conveniently sell offerings from a centralized location where the bulk of workers and town residents are. Convenient to Highway 86 this provides a larger market for farmers and fresh farm produce to those in town not able to drive to the previous location

The North Carolina Geodetic Survey operates a network of Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) that correct, in real time, signal disturbances from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites and other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). When GPS is used for precision agriculture, surveying, engineering, grading, navigation and other high precision mapping uses the CORS system can be used to improve the accuracy.Funding from this grant will be used to upgrade the GPS/GNSS receivers at CORS located in two (2) tobacco producing counties (Forsyth and Lenoir) and a new CORS in Bertie County.

The NC Agricultural Foundation, Inc. and NC Agricultural Education and FFA, with a grant from the Tobacco Trust Fund Grant Program, will provide 20 grants to local agricultural education programs in North Carolina. The twenty $15,000 grants per program will fund transformational projects that will focus on growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture for high- and middle-school agricultural education programs across the state. Grants will be used to fund innovative, sustainable, and relevant projects that will assist the local teachers and students in meeting the current needs of the agricultural industry in our state and in their specific community

This extension training will be conducted by the NC State University Apiculture Program through the NC Agricultural Foundation. We will provide economic opportunities to growers interested in expanding into bee-dependent crops or into pollination services directly. We will hold numerous BEES Academies in order to train growers and beekeepers in proper apiculture management, as well as several advanced bee-breeding clinics to capitalize on the demand for local queens and nucleus hives. In doing so we will enhance pollination services for growers of bee-dependent crops in the state, as well augment the local community of micro-breeders who promote sustainable local beekeeping.?,?

NC Cooperative Extension, Harnett County Center will create an Educational Kitchen. This kitchen will enable former and current tobacco farmers to expand their businesses by receiving two marketing videos per farm. The first video will be a cooking video to increase business for a product of their choosing. The second video will tell the story of their farm and the products they offer. With current video cost farms we work with will receive an added value of $24,000. Online video is the fastest growing media source. This will put our farmers on the cutting edge of marketing strategies.

The NC Foundation for Soil and Water Conservation will further statewide farmland preservation initiatives by providing mini grants to Soil and Water Conservation Districts to increase technical capacity through the purchase of equipment and software that increases on-farm efficiencies, improves soil health, and ultimately leads to increased participation in VAD/EVAD and conservation easement programs. The outcomes will include a greater number of landowners that have a clear path forward to maintain profitable farm operations thereby promoting multiple pathways for the preservation of North Carolina?s working lands.

The Haywood County Consolidated School System will lead the building of an outdoor agriculture classroom where schools and FFA Chapters from within the county and in surrounding western counties may use hand-on learning to teach agriculture practices to students and community members. The outdoor classroom will also be utilized as a education exchange hub for other Haywood community events such as agriculture-related trainings and demonstrations.

Wingate University launched an agricultural food systems concentration in the fall of 2022 to build on Union County?s agricultural strength while also addressing pockets of food insecurity. To support the program, the University has leased eight acres of land over the next ten years at the Union County Agricultural and Event Complex to develop a research and education farm that will benefit students and local farmers. Much-needed equipment will be purchased for the Wingate University Research and Education Farm that will include a storage container to house farming tools and supplies and a greenhouse with a remote monitoring system.

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) will offer farmers a cost share program to support marketing projects with the goal of increasing the economic viability of Western North Carolina farms. Cost share will be paired with training and technical assistance on marketing strategies. The project will serve small farms that have been adversely affected by changes to the tobacco industry with a focus on limited resource and historically disadvantaged farmers. Two hundred farmers will have greater knowledge of marketing trends and marketing strategies, and 60-80 marketing cost share projects will be implemented supporting a total of 100 to 140 farmers.?,?

Four County Electric Membership Corporation (FCEMC) will purchase a hydroponic smart farm container. FCEMC Smart Farm will be a controlled environment shipping container, creating a community-centered programs targeting health and wellness, job skills, mental health, and education. In partnership with James Sprunt Community College, the hydroponic smart farm will provide benefit to students, local farmers, and businesses by encouraging hands on learning and onsite tours. The space allows for a 24/7 controlled environment with irrigation and LED lights creating an environment for learning and growing. Annual harvest will be between 2-4 tons of fresh, hyper-local produce without pesticides or herbicides.

After 12 years of successful operation – where over 193,000 head of cattle totaling more than $135 million has been sold benefitting farmers in western North Carolina – WNC Communities is seeking to restore life into the WNC Regional Livestock Center facility to match the expectations of the participating partners with critically needed refurbishments. Due to a significant increase in both participants using the market and the center?s overall profile, the need exists to improve the facility to better serve its constituents. The plan includes both initiatives that restore the physical appearance and enhance the operation

This grant submitted by the NC Agricultural Foundation, Inc will support the Executive Farm Management (EFM) program. EFM was established in 2017, trains managers of larger commercial farms in North Carolina and the southeastern U.S. through an ongoing intensive educational program. The program participants learn how to enhance their strategic business planning and management competencies, which is needed now more than ever in today’s large, diverse farms due to their increasingly sophisticated

The N.C. PSI Extension Agent Network, a network of dynamic and motivated Extension Agents, will beta-test PSI developed technologies and accelerate the pace by which agricultural solutions are delivered to end users across the state through interdisciplinary research efforts. This network will be instrumental in connecting PSI developed technologies to farmers in North Carolina to ensure seamless integration of technology into on-farm production situations. Involvement in this network will also catalyze the evolution of Extension to be on the cutting edge of agricultural technology.

The Forest Education and Conservation Foundation (FECF) will educate logging business owners to support historically tobacco-dependent communities to weather the current economic turbulence. The FECF will leverage the North Carolina Forestry Association’s Prologger certification program to host new business training workshops, increase video resources made available to address logging/forestry-specific challenges, develop business training resources, and increase access to training materials throughout North Carolina’s logging community.

NC State Extension Community and Rural Development will lead and execute the project in partnership with The NC Agricultural Foundation, Inc. The project will provide a menu of training options to farmers, helping them to target farm health and safety needs and assist with mandatory training compliance needed for GAP certification and EPA Worker Protection Standards. The training will be available to be conducted on-farm and multi-farm at the Community sites. The project outcomes include increasing knowledge and preventive behaviors to produce high-quality crops, providing a healthy work environment, and increasing the ease of compliance with mandatory training.

The NC Pecan Growers Association will design and provide educational opportunities for all NC pecan growers to help enhance their abilities to sustainably and profitably produce and market pecans regardless of their size of their operation. This will include conducting various educational workshop/field days. Republishing “Growing Pecans in NC” and producing educational videos’ for use in Field days/workshops and for posting to the associations web page.

The Wilkes Soil & Water Conservation District (WSWCD) will build a Mobile Soils Classroom to provide students with an interactive, walk-thru learning experience about soil and its role in the ecosystem and their lives. The classroom will allow WSWCD to ?take the field trip to the classroom.? The Mobile Soils Classroom will promote agriculture in NC through soil and water health education, while also providing pre-K-12 students an unforgettable and fun learning experience, inspiring them to learn more, and hopefully pursue a related career in agriculture. The classroom will be used statewide and reach 18,500 participants the first year.

CAFE?s new commercial kitchen facility at the WNC Farmers Market will serve early-stage food entrepreneurs preparing foods, cosmetics, and natural products. The desired outcome is to achieve current-account self-sufficiency within 3 years while supporting the growth of over 50 businesses using agricultural inputs. TTFC support would cover a portion of start-up operating expenses while the project ramps up fee-for-service revenues.

The NECP Agricultural Education Department will enclose a portion of the school grounds with a chain link fence and modernize the existing greenhouse structure by adding cooling fans, a cool cell, install a heat source, and renovate by replacing the wooden parts of the structure with metal, spreading rock on the floor and installing tables. Secondly, funding will be used to build a headhouse to store pots, potting soil, seeds, etc. and a large shade house to diversify production methods. Finally, funding will be used to build a new, state of the art 35′ x 48′ greenhouse.

Randolph County will build a new Farm, Food, and Family Education Center (F3EC) that will be a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative place for people and organizations to build systems that strengthen economies, enhance resilience, and build community. This Education facility will serve as a ?hub? for innovative and collaborative sharing of resources and ideas. It will house a food hub, shared kitchen, demonstration spaces, and an agricultural event center that will be an integral part of strengthening the local food and agricultural systems in Randolph County.

Wayne Community College (WCC) has plans to construct a 3,600 SF metal building with a brick fa‡ade on their main campus that will serve as an agricultural lab space for all Agriculture & Natural Resource programs at the college. This new building will be part of the ?Lamm Agricultural Complex? and will showcase training equipment for recruiting events, provide space for hands-on training to reinforce classroom learning, and will provide a space for summer camps for middle and high school students to promote career exploration in the field of agriculture.

To create more stable access to markets for farmers & local food manufacturers, as well as grow access to healthy and local foods for consumers, Warren County will build a 9,000 sq. ft. farmers’ market. This facility will be the only farmers market in the county and be located on the historic agricultural fairgrounds. The permanent area will also provide an office for creating a new position- the Warren County Farmers Market Manager. The open-air pavilion with attached indoor space will allow for COVID-safe practices in the future, as well as allow vendors to accept EBT.

Over a two-year period, the North Carolina SweetPotato Commission Foundation will further develop their nutrition influencer program by creating three audience-specific Dietary Toolkits and hosting two Harvest Tours for Registered Dietician Influencers. These projects will increase the consumption of sweetpotatoes by promoting their health benefits resulting in a profitability increase for farms in previously tobacco-dependent North Carolina communities as well as producers and industry professionals adversely affected by changes in the tobacco industry.

The Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center at the University of Mount Olive will work with county representatives in 33 counties across south central and eastern NC to fund innovative projects which support agricultural profitability and productivity. Each project will be funded based on its potential to positively benefit the economic development of the respective local communities, agricultural diversification, farm profitability, and skill and resource development for current and future farmers. The project will be administered as a cost share grant program seeking to fund projects that can be implemented in other regions of the state by agricultural producers and agribusinesses.

Piedmont Community College?s Agribusiness Technology department will partner with the NC Cooperative Extension office to design a program that allows local farmers to use equipment housed at the Center for Educational and Agricultural Development (CEAD) site as they learn about and implement new farming methods and techniques. Caswell County farmers are exploring ways to grow new commodities for a regional client base. In order to supply farmers with what they need, PCC will need to purchase new equipment. The purpose of this grant application is to purchase the equipment needed for this farming program.

The Town of Mount Olive will design/build/operate a 36? by 60? open air area farmers’ market on concrete slab with vendor spaces, parking, restrooms, signage in cooperation with NCTTFC. Bordered by a fence/sidewalks, the market will provide southern Wayne-Duplin farmers an outlet for products, residents with accessible fresh produce, and merchants with increased customers. The town will monitor/rent spaces; gather data about the project?s success with support from Mount Olive Community Development Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, Mount Olive Presbyterian Church, First Baptist Church and local businesses. The project will begin in November 2023 and be completed by December 2025.

The NCTTFC SAE Institute is a week-long residential camp held at the University of Mount Olive. The camp provides industry and leadership training to FFA members providing 45 hours of Supervised Agricultural Experience used toward various FFA chapter, state and national awards. The Institute allows student attendees to understand agricultural operations and facilities. FFA members are also exposed to hands-on learning experiences in agriculture. The Institute includes chapter advisors and provides 3 hours of Continuing Education Credit as a participant. The Institute includes training opportunities for both FFA members and advisors on leadership, awards, SAEs, and other opportunities.

NC Cooperative Extension Centers in Bladen, Cumberland, Hoke, and Sampson Counties will purchase a portable cattle working facility that will include a portable squeeze chute with headgate and scales, as well as corral panels and trailer to transport panels. This working facility will be shared among the four counties and will be made available, for a small rental fee, to any cattle producer in those counties. This program will allow farmer to safely and efficiently handle their animals to perform routine management tasks that should increase animal performance and profitably.

Ashe County will construct a multi-purpose agricultural center consisting of a livestock aggregation facility and a meeting room for trainings, commodity group meetings, and conferences. The purpose of the livestock facility is to facilitate local sales that will increase income for cattlemen, provide infrastructure to aid producers with herd management, and assist youth programs with animal science training. The structure will consist of pens, scales, a load-out ramp, and a squeeze chute. A show ring will host special livestock sales, demonstrations, and 4-H livestock judging.

Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) will outfit its new, state-of-the-art, 3,690 square-foot large animal facility with equipment to support training of Veterinary Medical Technology students on common domestic large animal species. Students will learn basic husbandry and handling of large animal species, while simultaneously understanding the importance of pasture management and the nutritional requirements of livestock species. Completion of the facility will facilitate training of approximately 105 students per year with an estimated 83% of new full time students receiving credentials within 3 years. These students will help address the dire need for large-animal veterinary services in rural areas.

Through a one-time, post-pandemic investment in improving infrastructure and optimizing operations, Farmer Foodshare will rebuild the capacity needed to expand sales for small/mid-scale NC farms. Over the course of two years, grantee will return to pre-pandemic levels of service, extending their food hub?s customer base to include institutions (such as schools and universities), businesses (including grocery stores and restaurants), and nonprofits. Sales to these customers will increase revenue for the farmers in their Farmer Network.

Feed the Dialogue NC Foundation Cultivating the Classroom project will create “ag accurate” lesson plans for grades (6-8) middle school students. We will host a farm tour for teachers related to the lesson plans. Lesson plans will concentrate on food and farming-related issues and will be written the teachers themselves. They will receive continuing education units from NC Department of Public Instruction for attending the farm tour. These lesson plans will be hosted on the Feed the Dialogue NC and Ag in the Classroom websites. They will be available to all middle school teachers.

The Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District will purchase a no-till drill and construct a building for storage of the drill. With the combined effort of the Soil and Water District and Cooperative Extension, Grantee will promote the use of the no-till drill for planting of cover crops, pasture renovation, and increasing yields by annual forage plantings. The users of the no-till drill will be mainly small acreage and limited resource farmers in the county.

Johnston County Public Schools will add a plasma cutter to the three high schools with agricultural programs that do not yet have this equipment. Students will gain the necessary instruction to use these tools. This will better prepare students for diverse careers in agriculture as they enter the workforce.

The Upper Mountain Research Station will construct a metal building on a concrete slab that will serve as the main hub to process, store and distribute the most elite Fraser Fir seed in the world. This building will also have lab and office space with the capability to fully support the Fraser Fir breeding program from NCSU. This building will be located in Ashe County, which is in the heart of Christmas tree country. It will be uniquely suited to support the rapidly growing Christmas tree industry.

“From Bright Leaf to Berkshires” is an alternative swine production course and outreach program that will be held at the N.C. A&T State University Farm. Its goal is to improve profitability of farmers who have been financially impacted by tobacco-related policy and social changes by cost sharing Berkshire pigs using hoop structure barns. Graduates of the program and attendees of the extension workshops will learn about alternative swine production systems, stocking rates, nutrition, reproduction, breeding systems, waste management, welfare/behavior, diseases, and niche marketing opportunities.

The Town of Princeville, North Carolina, is constructing a regional Farmers Market that will support local farmers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. The Princeville Farmers Market building will have a commercial kitchen. It will be located at Heritage Park, the Town-owned public park. The project’s objectives are to provide access to locally sourced food and consumer goods and to provide economic development opportunities for community members. The project will benefit the citizens of Princeville, Edgecombe County, and surrounding counties by providing a local space to access fresh foods and locally made items.

The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Agricultural Leadership Development Program will host an alumni professional development weekend. During this weekend event, alumni from all programs will be invited to participate in leadership development workshops and sessions focused on personal and professional topics such as succession planning, mental health awareness, and issues facing North Carolina agriculture. This program will keep graduates engaged, expand networking, and enhance leadership skills.

This project supports needs assessment and road-mapping for development of a Masters of Agribusiness degree program at NC State. The project will survey stakeholders across NC, prospective students, and comparable programs across the country. Project outcomes to be addressed in a report are: quantified need for the program; features most wanted by stakeholders; and specific engagement of leaders to steer program development. Beneficiaries include: agriculture, related agencies, and rural organizations via upgraded management education; available to students from every NC county.

Through NC State Extension, the GrowDairy Initiative will provide educational and financial resources to North Carolina dairy farmers in an effort to sustain and grow the dairy industry. Producers will work directly with Extension to cost share consultants fees to troubleshoot problem areas and identify solutions for which SDBII funds, a new Federal cost share program, that would be used for equipment and/or technology. Both farm families and their communities benefit economically when local dairys grow.

The North Carolina Agricultural Foundation Inc. is requesting a three-year NC AgVentures Grant on behalf of NC State Extension. The program would award cost-share grants to family farms to diversify, expand or enhance their agricultural operations. The overall goal is to increase farm profits. The program would benefit at least 150 family farms in 46 counties that were negatively impacted by the downturn in the tobacco economy.

Agricultural education faculty in CALS will provide a 10-day, intensive Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) Institute training for North Carolina agriculture teachers. CASE is an inquiry-based, STEM-oriented agriculture curriculum. CASE enhances rigor and relevance of agriculture, food, and natural resources content and provides purposeful enhancement of science, mathematics, and English language. Tasks include purchasing laboratory materials and teacher support for training through the CASE Institute. CASE has increased both preparation of agriculture students for and enrollments in high-need agriculture majors. CASE enables graduates to be better prepared for admission to colleges of agriculture and success in agricultural careers.

The NC Agricultural Foundation, Inc. and North Carolina Agricultural Education and FFA will provide a purposeful leadership and personal growth experience for sixteen North Carolina agriculture teachers with five to 15 years of experience. These sixteen teachers will participate in a two-year cohort program that will allow them to learn more about themselves, how to lead others, and connect with state leaders in agriculture and education. The outcomes of this professional development experience include growing the leadership of our participants and providing an opportunity to retain the best agriculture teachers in the state.

Harnett County Schools Career and Technical Education Department will design and build a multipurpose structure to facilitate the operations of the Harnett Agriculture Academy at Triton High School. This facility will impact the entire agricultural education program at Triton by providing a venue for cohorts of students to access college level instruction on their home campus. Having a dedicated structure for training at the agricultural academy will help students attain technical, conceptual, and soft skills identified by employers as critical for meeting future workforce needs in Agriculture.

Southeastern Community College will design and erect an educational greenhouse on its campus to facilitate the exploration and acquisition of science-based agricultural skills and practices through hands-on classroom instruction. The greenhouse will be designed based on input from employers in the local agricultural industry to ensure their workforce needs are met. Skills developed and experience gained in the greenhouse will lead directly to stackable credentials in agriculture and horticulture, allowing graduates to enter the local workforce quickly. Having a head start on credentials, skills, and experience, will allow these students to support, and one day lead, the Columbus County or even the SE NC agricultural industry.

The NCSU Agricultural Institute ?Soldier to Agriculture? program is a 6 week intensive introduction to agriculture for transitioning service members, veterans and spouses interested in a career in agriculture in North Carolina. The program currently serves approximately 75 students per year with a waiting list of over 500 prospective students. Since becoming part of the DOD bridge program, soldiers from all NC bases now have access to the program. With this bigger audience we intend to recruit more students to become small farmers or employees in the 33 counties designated in the NC Sentinel Landscape Program.

NC State will address integrated pest management strategies for management of gray leaf spot of heirloom tomatoes in North Carolina to foster farm profitability and optimally use natural resources in the agricultural economy.

Cleveland County Fair will complete improvements to Weathers Livestock Arena by enlarging the animal show ring, enclosing the back of the livestock barn with roll-up doors, concreting the floor, reconfiguring tie-out panels, and installing ceiling & ventilation fans and a public address system. These improvements will improve the show environment for exhibitors and their animals, and render the barn as a multi-use rental venue for off-season activities and events. This project compliments recent improvements to the facility, including a new roof, energy efficient lights, and roof expansion to cover the animal wash bay.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services’ core Visit NC Farms App team will design, deliver and service the county App Administrators through an education-based webinar series. Administrators are keystone to app success and are responsible for the asset / agribusiness content management and local level marketing support. The goal is to elevate economic development, marketing efforts and relationship-building skills for the county-based Administrators. To boost the local agribusiness economy, Admins will also access additional marketing items (specific to each county’s unique objectives) to enhance the base promotional tool kit employed at app adoption.

The WNC AgOptions program provides small cost-share demonstration grants to help family farms in Western North Carolina diversify and expand their farming operations. Current and former tobacco farmers are given priority. Farmers utilize these funds to embrace new crops, practices and methodology, new farm products, and new marketing activities. In the process, these projects not only strengthen the farming operation of the grant recipients, but contribute to the larger agricultural community and provide other farmers with the information, local examples, and confidence to pursue similar efforts on their farms, extending the impacts of the program and strengthening farming in NC.

This grant will fund up to one-half of the cost of 15 North Carolina farms participating in the 2021 Executive Farm Management Program. The EFM will improve the profitability of commercial southeastern U.S farms by building strategic business planning and management competencies in commercial farmers. Core competencies are built in strategic management areas of strategic planning, human resource management, financial management, marketing, risk management, and succession planning. The program will be conducted in 12 days of instruction over 3 intensive sessions during January and February 2021. Participants work in teams learning to apply business skills on realistic case studies of farms. They also receive information on agricultural outlook, relevant trends in agriculture and related sectors, and relevant policy developments. The program is led by NC State Extension in collaboration with NCSU College of Management, ECU College of Business, Clemson Cooperative Extension, and UGA Cooperative Extension.

The NC TTFC Agricultural Leadership Development Program will provide personal coaching to participants in the 2020-2022 program focused on building and further developing their personal and civic leadership skills. Using coaches to help participants interpret and use leadership assessments and to develop their personal and professional leadership plans significantly improves the success and impact of leaders trained in the program. This project will ensure that participants have more time with coaches than previous programs have been able to provide. It is our goal that each participant will meet with their coach once a month including those months (April through September 2021) when the program is not in session. Coaches will have specific items to work with participants on during each month/session. This will increase the positive impacts these emerging leaders have on agricultural and rural communities.

We are an NC State University action research team with expertise in rural development through agriculture and tourism.

The project?s purpose is to develop opportunities for farmers to sell produce directly to tourists renting vacation homes. We work with farmers to define the content and delivery of produce bags to vacationers; with realties and tourism authorities to promote the bags; and with internet retail companies to manage sales and disburse payments.

We will form 10 farmer groups earning $130,000 in summer 2021 and $170,000 in summer 2022 with the sale of produce bags to vacationers in 15 VSA destination markets. We build farmer capacity with training and mini-grants to local Extension offices and other eligible nonprofits participating in the VSA program. We will help generate 10 seasonal market coordinator jobs.

The project works with farmer groups from economically depressed counties neighboring popular tourism destinations to tap into those tourism economies.

The NC Foundation for Soil and Water Conservation, in partnerhsip with the Working Lands Trust, will provide a series of trainings to producers, landowners, and soil and water conservation districts on the importance of preserving working lands. Project Partners will collaborate with NC Cooperative Extension and the NC Association for Soil and Water Conservation Districts to offer a three-pronged approach to increase understanding of land transition opportunities and build capacity to support farmland protection programs. The Foundation will lead 6 regional trainings for Conservation District boards on establishing a Farmland Protection Program and 6 workshops for landowners on Land Transition Opportunities. The Working Lands Trust will offer 3 Conservation Easement technical trainings for Conservation District staff. The outcomes will include a greater number of landowners that have a clear path forward to maintaining future land ownership and increased options for protecting of working lands.

The Eastern NC Christmas Tree Growers Association will work with a media company to produce a series of short videos promoting the industry. The Association will collaborate with a web designer to redesign their consumer focused website and association focused website. All promotional videos and the updated website will be advertised via digital marketing. Through digital marketing, consumers are exposed to choose and cut farms located in the Eastern region of NC. The intent of this program is to provide greater opportunities for the eastern Christmas tree growers to reach consumers using modern marketing methods which will encourage a greater quantity of consumers to visit local Christmas tree farms.

The Town of Louisburg will repurpose a warehouse on historic Depot Hill to provide a 3200 square foot commissary kitchen, paved parking to service mobile food units, and a 1500 square foot catering kitchen. The commissary kitchen is to serve a demand for facilities to accommodate start-up mobile food units. Clients will be required to source a percentage of their ingredients from seasonally available products offered by Franklin County farmers. Caterers who use the catering kitchen are also required to seek out the county’s farmers for ingredients. In addition, each mobile food unit operator leasing space in the commissary kitchen will give cooking demonstrations in the catering kitchen twice a year. The purpose is to introduce menu items, provide education in cooking techniques, and strengthen interest in locally available foods. The combined commissary and catering kitchens will offer new customers to 40-45 farms who are potential suppliers.

The Wayne County Livestock Development Association aspires to improve agricultural economic viability by providing a multi-use Agriculture Education Center for educational hands on instructional activities and educational exhibits. The center will be created by renovating and changing the design of an existing steel structure that is currently used only during the fair. The renovated center and portable equipment will provide year-round usage for educational activities to accommodate the specific training needs of teachers, students, and producers. These training opportunities will increase the number of individuals prepared to move into current and future jobs and provide producers with training that leads to increased profitability. Well-designed exhibits during the 10-day Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair will increase awareness of where food comes from and the contributions of agriculture to our economy and quality of life.

The LCFM requested and received $ 79,277.00 in NC Tobacco Trust Fund grant dollars to create a community kitchen in the Rick Holder Farmers Market Annex. The Annex was a private gift to the Market in 2013. In response to increasing requests from farmers/vendors, community members, and potential vendors, LCFM plans to add capacity to the Market by completing the commercial/community kitchen, a fully inspected, code-compliant facility in which vendors and other entrepreneurs can prepare foods for sale in the Market and throughout the community. The kitchen will include space for planned healthy food preparation classes and demonstrations, which should generate increased Market vendors? sales. The kitchen, located outside of flood prone areas, will be totally operated by gas, and therefore can be powered by a gas-driven generator, along with solar panels, enabling the kitchen to operate during a disaster feeding first responders, volunteers and other community members.

The Town of Elkin?s Main Street Advisory Board will contract a local awning company to add approximately 1500 SF of extended coverage around three additional sides of the current farmers market shelter, using retractable awnings. The awnings will provide additional coverage from excessive sun and inclement weather, benefitting, and protecting market customers, vendors and their products.

This project will communicate positive messages about animal agriculture to the state?s largest urban populations. Through a targeted marketing campaign, materials will highlight the role farmers play in getting local food to people?s plates while countering negative messages in mainstream media. Messaging will be developed in conjunction with the state?s pork, poultry, beef and dairy associations. The messaging will be used in social media advertising targeted to consumers in Charlotte and Raleigh. The second part of the campaign will be a customized online site featuring other content (video, text) that promotes animal agriculture and showcases farmers.

North Carolina State University (NCSU) will coordinate and manage research efforts to collect and evaluate plant health and plant disease management benefits from beneficial bacteria. The research from this project will be used to educate farmers about disease management using low-risk biologicals and supporting plant health of hemp crops to increase the productivity and economic stability for regions affected by reduced tobacco acres.

Swain County will plan and build a multipurpose building to host agricultural/equestrian events and workshops. The building will benefit the local farmers and surrounding agricultural community

The Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center at the University of Mount Olive will work with county representatives in 33 counties across south central and eastern NC to fund innovative projects which support agricultural profitability and productivity. Each project will be funded based on its potential to positively benefit the economic development of the respective local communities, agricultural diversification, farm profitability, and skill and resource development for current and future farmers. The project will be administered as a cost share grant program seeking to fund projects that can be implemented in other regions of the state by agricultural producers and agribusinesses. The total number of projects funded will vary depending on amount of funding allocated to each project. Current grant-funded projects average $8,332. This proposal will fund a minimum of 52 projects if each project is funded at the maximum of $10,000.

The Washington Harbor District Alliance (WHDA) will continue to improve and enhance the standards of its year-round farm sales venue at the Harbor District Market, a farmers? market for locally grown products located in the newly restored McClellan?s Building, located at 140 W. Main Street in Washington, NC.

The Wilson County Cooperative Extension Service will purchase a grain drill and build a 12? x 20? carport to house the drill at the Wilson County Ag Center. Working with Wilson County Soil & Water Conservation District, Extension will promote the use of the grain drill to small acreage farmers for work reseeding pastures, promoting annual forages, and utilizing cover crops.

This project will provide grants to local agricultural education programs in North Carolina. The grants will fund transformational projects that will focus on growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture for high- and middle-school agricultural education programs across the state. Grants will be used to fund innovative, sustainable, and relevant projects that will assist the local teachers and students in meeting the current needs of the agricultural industry in our state and in their specific community. Local communities and thousands of students will benefit year after year from the program-changing.

This Grant will provide opportunities for Agricultural Extension and Education students to gain real-world context and experiences, contributing to their preparation for future careers as extension agents or agriculture teachers. Immersive experiences to farms and agricultural industries will allow students to connect content knowledge with real-world opportunities and perspectives that can be integrated in extension programming and curriculum development. lesson plans based on their trips.

The Specialty Crops IPM Laboratory at NC State University will develop insect and mite management information for industrial hemp growers. These results will allow growers to more effectively manage these crop pests, and we will share this information through extension publications, in person meetings, and online content development.

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center?s Crop Commercialization Program (CCP) will coordinate and manage research efforts of two NC State University scientists to assess weed and disease damage to stevia and evaluate the efficacy of biocontrol products in greenhouse and field trials. The research will result in a disease and weed management strategy for organic stevia production, with data to be submitted to the IR-4 program to obtain biocontrol registration in stevia. Current and future stevia growers, as well as stevia processing companies, will directly benefit from the research as the outcomes will help ease production management and financial hurdles for growing organic stevia in North Carolina.

The NC Foundation for Soil and Water Conservation, in partnership with the NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, will deliver the Conservation Leadership Development Program, with the goal of growing the pool of citizens effectively and strategically addressing natural resource management through locally led conservation efforts. Project partners will offer two years of regional trainings and an intensive year-long development program based on emerging issues as identified in “Visioning the Future of Conservation Delivery”, an on-going strategic planning process of the conservation partnership. An estimated 2,480 unique training hours will be offered, benefiting 680 local soil and water conservation district partners, and leveraging $100,000+ in outside resources. Project results include a strong base of conservation leaders that rise to address the natural resource, agriculture and forestry productions challenges and landscape resiliency due to a growing population and the need to increase production on less available land.

The Wayne County Livestock Development Association aspires to improve agricultural economic viability with the addition of a classroom/lab to our Agriculture Education Center. This addition of a classroom/lab will meet the specific needs of teachers who require the ability to house large animals for extended periods of time as they provide instruction and training that meets the training and learning objectives of the Wayne County Public Schools, Wayne Community College, and Cooperative Extension.

This project will build the foundation for a nutrition influencer program for North Carolina sweetpotatoes. It will encompass athletes, registered dietitians, school nutrition directors and other food influencers. The project will include the development of resources and promotional materials, influencer training and NCSPC appearances at community events and trade shows.

Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project will provide farmers with training and technical assistance on innovative marketing strategies and administer a cost share program to support farmers in the implementation of specific marketing projects in order to increase the economic stability and viability of Western North Carolina farms. The project will serve small farms in the region; many are limited resource and/or socially disadvantaged.

Carolina Farm Stewardship Association will provide technical assistance to specialty crop producers in order to increase their understanding of the potential risks associated with fresh produce production, handling, storing, and transportation. This will result in farmers making best management practice changes on their farms, farmers will also receive information about obtaining GAP certification, and inter new wholesale or intermediate markets.

The Cleveland County Fair will make improvements that will create cleaner and healthier conditions for show animals and exhibitors. This project will enhance the safety and comfort of spectators while allowing for an increase in exhibits and farm animal displays.

The agricultural education program in partnership with the NC Agricultural Foundation will provide a 10-day, intensive Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) Institute training for North Carolina agriculture teachers. CASE is an inquiry-based, STEM-oriented agriculture curriculum. The CASE vision is ?to enhance the rigor and relevance of agriculture, food, and natural resources subject matter. CASE provides purposeful enhancement of science, mathematics, and English language understanding.? CASE will benefit agriculture teachers and students, and it has the potential of boosting college agriculture enrollments.

This project will help fund the cost of 10 North Carolina farms participating in the 2020 Executive Farm Management (EFM) Program. The EFM will improve the profitability of commercial southeastern U.S farms by building strategic business planning and management competencies in commercial farmers. The EFM builds core competencies in strategic management areas of strategic planning, human resource management, financial management, marketing, risk management, and succession planning.

The Heir?s Guide to Inherited Farm and Forest Land Interests is a proposed guide for inheritors of family interests in farm and forest land. The workbook features narratives on topics such as managing and resolving co-tenancy land ownership, trusteeship of landowning trusts, LLC membership, and land management topics including forestry, present use valuation, appraisals and surveys, leasehold arrangements with farm operators, and land and water conservation programs. The workbook includes worksheets and legal agreement templates, drawn from the principal author?s former law practice library.

This three-year grant will expand the number of eligible counties for this ongoing project. The project will award cost-share grants to farms to diversify, expand or enhance their agricultural operations. The overall goal is to increase farm profits to those that were negatively impacted by the downturn in the tobacco economy.

This project will continue to support a robust, statewide internship program that helps Agricultural Institute (AGI) students gain relevant work experience and on-the-job learning by matching them with farmers, businesses, and other organizations. The project helps AGI students develop the professional, interpersonal, and leadership skills they will need to meet the challenges of an increasingly globalized economy.

The Harnett County office of North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service will purchase two pea shellers and mount them on trailers to be used at multiple farms. The equipment will enable former and current tobacco farmers to try a new crop and explore much needed value-added opportunities. The equipment will help farmers develop new markets and help them take advantage of a strong local demand for fresh shelled peas and fresh frozen peas.

Johnston County Public Schools will expand its IDEAL Academy (an agricultural preparatory program in partnership with the University of Mount Olive located at South Johnston High School). This expansion will most notably include a new 50? x 60? building with an attached 10? x 60? shelter, a facility suitable for agricultural education and practice activities. Further, the project will enhance the existing program, offerings, and structures by allowing for safety and usability upgrades such as connecting an existing structure to the water and drainage system and allocating space to which the aquaculture tanks can be moved for future use.

Mayland Community College will purchase and assemble a greenhouse to enhance current micropropagation activities. The greenhouse will be utilized as a finishing location for the plants grown in the micropropagation lab. The greenhouse and micropropagation lab will join the aquaponics center at the Earth to Sky Park. Together they will be the centerpiece of activities designed to preserve and increase the tax base and alleviate unemployment in a region negatively impacted by the loss of tobacco income. They will serve as both an instructional site for Mayland Community College students and a demonstration site for local farmers and visitors to the Earth to Sky Park.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services/Agritourism will invest these funds in the Visit NC Farms Smartphone App. Expanding the project from the pilot and early adopter communities to a statewide program, one county/region at a time through this cost-share program.

Project Skill-Up is a North Carolina Community College workforce development initiative with three core components: 1) providing access to short-term training programs supporting local workforce needs; 2) developing educational programs supporting diverse utilization of agriculture resources and enterprises; and 3) creating education opportunities to assist farmers in accessing new methods to support business sustainability.

The Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center at the University of Mount Olive will work with county representatives in 33 counties across eastern NC to fund innovative projects which support agricultural profitability and productivity. Each project will be funded based on its potential to positively benefit the economic development of the respective local communities, agricultural diversification, farm profitability, and skill and resource development for current and future farmers. The project will be administered as a cost share grant program seeking to fund projects that can be implemented in other regions of the state by agricultural producers and agribusinesses.

ECU-North Carolina Agromedicine Institute will grow its Tape & Twine program to help the state?s farm community cope with escalating farm stress. This will be accomplished by conducting at least 25 education/outreach sessions and exhibits at farm-related events, training 50 farmers who will conduct 350 peer support sessions, conducting 5 sessions to educate primary and behavioral healthcare providers about the unique culture of agriculture and working with farm community and providing at least 750 counseling sessions at no cost to farming community members needing additional support. Information about and strategies for dealing with farm-related stress will be made available through the dissemination of at least 24 social media posts, 10 print releases, the Institute?s website and list serve. AgriSafe health screenings along with information on farm safety and health will be made available at peer support training and other education/outreach activities.

This project will continue to support a robust, statewide internship program that helps Agricultural Institute (AGI) students gain relevant work experience and on-the-job learning by matching them with farmers, businesses, and other organizations. The project helps AGI students develop the professional, interpersonal, and leadership skills they will need to meet the challenges of an increasingly globalized economy. It will also allow employers to diversify their workforce. In addition, internships help connects students and faculty with local economies to ensure graduates are coming into the workforce prepared for current economic realities.

This project will measure the quantitative and qualitative impacts of the North Carolina Agricultural Leadership Development Program through data collected via surveys, focus groups, and individual interviews.

This project funds a three-year statewide study to determine optimum spring nitrogen rates for malting barley using plant tissue analysis. Agronomic research will determine appropriate nitrogen fertilization for malting barley, this has not been done in the North Carolina or the southeast. With price per bushel of malting barley being three to four times that of feed barley, changing nitrogen management to obtain high quality barley will increase farm profitability and provide farmers with a high value winter crop

Working Landscapes proposes upgrades to its Produce Center, a farm-to-cafeteria fresh-cut produce processing hub in Warrenton, NC. By equipping the facility to safely process ready-to-eat products at high volumes, these upgrades will position Working Landscapes to source more produce from local farms and increase healthy food access for consumers statewide.

This grant provides partial funding of a site plan and facility design for the construction of a 12,000 square-foot food technology, training and manufacturing center. Blue Ridge Food Ventures (BRFV) is the South?s largest shared-use food processing facility and food business incubator. BRFV provides statewide technical assistance to hundreds of small food entrepreneurs and access to infrastructure for about 50 small-scale food, cosmetic, and natural products businesses employing over 45 full-time jobs, and with over $3.5 million per year in value of goods sold.

The Feed the Dialogue NC Foundation (FtDNC) Agricultural Promotion and Education Project will promote North Carolina Farmers and their farming practices. This campaign will help bridge the gap between farmers and consumers. Consumers will be engaged to learn more about their food and from where it comes. This project will include educational farmer videos and blogger events that will be promoted on the FtDNC website and social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, to help educate consumers statewide.

The NC Agricultural Foundation, in partnership with the NC Agromedicine Institute will target tobacco growers and workers by: 1) reviewing all tobacco equipment related injuries and fatalities in the last 5 years to determine the root cause of those events; 2) developing short, high impact videos in both English and Spanish that graphically show similar scenarios of people being caught in equipment; 3) providing training in equipment safety and first on scene response for tobacco growers and workers; 4) conducting health screenings both at educational programs and during tobacco field work; 5) providing SMV signs and first aid kits.

The North Carolina Agricultural Foundation Inc. will continue the NC Agventures program on behalf of NC State Extension. The program will award cost-share grants to family farms for projects to diversify, expand or enhance their agricultural operations. The overall goal is to increase farm profits. The grant will benefit family farms in counties that were negatively impacted by the downturn in the tobacco economy.

The AgriShop Academy: Specialty Crops was created to economically enhance small and limited-resource farmers of former-tobacco driven counties by providing them an opportunity to attend one the three regional, two-day trainings on heirloom tomatoes and ginger.

Funding from this grant will be used to upgrade the GPS/GNSS receivers at CORS located in a tobacco producing county (Columbus). The CORS upgrade will replace the existing GNSS receiver/antenna with a new GNSS equipment that has the capability to utilize additional GNSS satellites.

This project provides cost-share grants to farmers in North Carolina for innovative projects designed to increase farm income and build markets for NC agricultural products. Priority is given to current and former tobacco farmers. This project is a proven model to increase farm income by mitigating the risk of entrepreneurship, replacing lost tobacco income with higher-value agricultural products, and providing NC farmers with models for innovation and entrepreneurship.

This grant will connect area farmers with markets by providing a shared-use 6?x10? tandem axle refrigerated trailer with enclosed generator, reusable harvest bins, and a 20 foot weatherproofed storage container for the sanitary storage of bins. This equipment will be owed and maintained by the Sandhills AGInnovation Center (SAIC), a facility of Richmond County.

TRACTOR Inc. is a farmer organization with members in Western North Carolina. This project will purchase a sweet corn harvester and reusable harvest bins for shared use by member farmers. This equipment will increase efficiency by decrease harvest time by 97 percent.

The NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Supervised Agricultural Institute is a week-long residential camp held at the University of Mount Olive (UMO). The camp provides industry and leadership training to FFA members who earn 45 hours of Supervised Agricultural Experience that can be accumulated toward various FFA chapter, state and national awards. The Institute also includes chapter advisors, allowing them through attendance to earn 3 hours of Continuing Education Credit as a participant. The Institute includes training opportunities for both FFA members and advisors including training on leadership, proficiencies, student SAEs, and other in-service opportunities.

Washington Harbor District Alliance (WHDA) is partnering with farmers and business leaders to develop a year-round farmer?s market. WHDA has purchased a historic building which is a contributing structure in Washington?s Historic District located at 140 W. Main St which was previously a McLellan?s Store. This project will help fund renovations to the building to include approximately 34 stalls accommodating farmers.

The WNC Regional Livestock Center LLC has been serving livestock producers in the westernmost counties of North Carolina since 2011. This project will implement safety improvements and enhancements for this regional market located in Haywood County. Plans are to address the safety of large livestock and protect wranglers during the handling process with higher gates and pens and smaller livestock with modification of the single file race chutes. The driveway and parking area around the facility will be paved providing a safer area for buyer, sellers and to transport livestock.

This is a three years project to continue and expand the WNC AgOptions program. These funds will provide at least 100 new demonstration grants over three years to help family farmers in Western North Carolina diversify and expand their farming operations and replace tobacco-based income.

East Carolina University-North Carolina Agromedicine Institute will provide the information, skills and tools needed to comply with or help others comply with revisions to the US Environmental Protection Agency?s Worker Protection Standard (WPS) which became effective January 2, 2017. These revisions apply to all farms using chemicals in the production of agricultural plants. Specific emphasis will be placed on assisting farms to comply with portions of the WPS related to respiratory protection and signage.

The East Bladen High School Agricultural Education Program will construct an agricultural student learning center/barn facility to meet their students? educational needs. This project will positively impact agricultural education efforts at the school, county and region. The learning center will provide much needed laboratory space with adjacent classrooms. Students will be able to quickly transition from the classroom to the laboratory which will help to reinforce learning. The building is to be constructed adjacent to preexisting greenhouse on the campus of East Bladen High School.

The project will strengthen North Carolina?s agricultural economy by providing education and technical assistance for new and beginning farmers. It will assist them in acquiring agricultural land for production and enhancing their access to educational and mentorship opportunities. The beneficiaries of this project will be new and beginning farmers who attend a workshop, farm tour, semester long course, receive direct assistance, participate in a mentorship program, or access electronic educational material.

This project will help start a produce-chopping business in Wayne County that will create employment and marketing opportunities for tobacco-dependent farmers in eastern North Carolina. Creating this value-added product will increase the market opportunity for farmers seeking to sell to institutional customers in the area, most notably schools. The project includes designing and creating the facility, training the operators, and reaching out to school districts. The farmers? indirect costs should decrease, raising the farmers? income.

This project will help ensure the generational transition of farmland where those families want to retain the farm into the future or ensure the future of their farm with a new farmer. This project will work through regional farmer groups, including tobacco growers, commodity groups and forestry associations, to provide sound transition tools enabling farm families to understand and control their estate planning needs and goals.

This project seeks to establish the first mobile farmers? market in WNC. The Mobile Market will increase farm product sales and provide access to new customers and markets. This project will provide the final renovations of the market needed and provide operational support for the first two years. The mobile farmers market will also provide access for consumers to local farm products that are otherwise unable to do so due to limiting factors such as time, transportation, or knowledge. Some new customers will be in low income and food insecure areas, this project will provide these customers access to high quality food.

This project will create a community kitchen in the Rick Holder Farmers Market Annex. In response to increasing requests from farmers/vendors, community members, and potential vendors, LCFM will add capacity to the Market by renovating the Annex to house a community kitchen, a fully inspected, code-compliant facility vendors can use to prepare foods for sale at the Market. The kitchen will include space for planned healthy food preparation classes and demonstrations, generating increased Market vendors? sales.

This project will help with the purchase of Instructional, clinical and laboratory equipment, also animal restraining equipment and containment systems for the Vet Tech program. The project will also serve as an introduction of training and employment opportunities in the veterinary medicine field. This project will help with the occupational skills training of unemployed and underemployed residents adversely impacted by the decline in the tobacco industry.

This cost-share program will work with farms to develop marketing tools to achieve agritourism goals aiming to increase the number of visitors to their farms. With the addition of marketing funds, the farm gains the opportunity to increase demand for farm experiences and attract more visitors with the potential to increase on-farm sales and overall farm value. Agritourism is a value-added option to steady and enhance the revenue stream beyond the harvest. This project aims to build more profitable operations, inspiring the next generation to farm, preserving farmland and contributing to rural community vibrancy.

This cost-share project will partner with farmers markets across the state to promote in-season fresh fruits and vegetables available throughout the market?s season. The promotion will include a cooperative cost-sharing agreement between the markets and NCDA&CS as well as a general targeted promotion in selected urban areas to encourage shopping at the markets. The project will enhance competitiveness of the NC produce industry and will increase foot traffic and sales of locally grown and produced products.

This project will provide access to short-term training programs supporting local workforce needs. The NCCCS will lead this project and sub-contract to NC community colleges based on each Community Colleges needs to provide outlined services to individual recipients of funds.

This project is aimed at strengthening farming communities. By developing new farm based enterprises, educational modules, farmer based mentoring, farmer shadowing, and one on one business development to grow business skills that will help growers expand current farm operations.

The project will provide micro grants to local Agricultural Education programs in North Carolina. Each project will improve and enhance the local Agricultural Education programs. Grants will be used to fund innovative, sustainable, and relevant projects that will assist the local teachers and students in meeting the current needs of the agricultural industry in our state and in their specific community. Thousands of agriculture students and their communities will benefit due to the projects being sustainable and impacting classrooms year after year.

The North Carolina Geodetic Survey operates a network of Continuous Operating Reference Stations (CORS) that correct, in real time, signal disturbances from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. When GPS is used for precision agriculture, surveying, engineering, grading, navigation and other high precision mapping uses, the CORS system must be used to improve the accuracy. This grant will be used to upgrade the GPS/Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers at CORS located in tobacco producing counties. The upgrade is to ensure that agriculture users have access to the latest technology and can utilize signals from all available navigation satellites.

This project provides cost-share grants to farmers in North Carolina for innovative projects designed to increase farm income and build markets for NC agricultural products. Priority is given to current and former tobacco farmers. This project is a proven model to increase farm income by mitigating the risk of entrepreneurship, replacing lost tobacco income with higher-value agricultural products, and providing NC farmers with models for innovation and entrepreneurship.

This grant will purchase forced-air cooling trailers. The farmers will be trained on how the trailers are to be used as aggregation points.

This project will provide for a Farm Manager/Food Safety Officer that will work with growers over seven WNC Counties to expand their production and meet all food safety regulations for the growing demand for local produce. Many of these farmers are former tobacco growers.

This project provides cost -share grants for innovative projects which support agricultural profitability and productivity. Each project will be funded based on its potential to positively benefit the economic development of the respective local communities, agricultural diversification, farm profitability, and skill and resource development for current and future farmers. This effort will seek to fund projects that can be implemented in other regions of the state by agricultural producers and agribusinesses using the initial projects as a guide to be duplicated if successful.

This project will alter cargo shipping containers to become hydroponic crop growing vessels that will be used to establish an eastern NC training center and model for high school and college students, farmers, transitional farmers, entrepreneurs, and community members to learn about sustainable agriculture. This project will assist the curriculum of the Sustainable Agriculture degree program encouraging additional students to learn this technology. This will also allow the College to offer new sustainable agriculture continuing education courses for the community at large.

The North Carolina Agricultural Foundation Inc. is requesting a three-year NC AgVentures Grant on behalf of NC State Extension. The program will expand from 18 eligible counties to 35-40 eligible counties. The program would award cost-share grants to family farms to diversify, expand or enhance their agricultural operations. The overall goal is to increase farm profits. If fully funded the program would benefit at least 133 family farms in 40 counties that were negatively impacted by the downturn in the tobacco economy.

Demand for local produce is influencing purchasing at wholesale and institutional buyers. A 2012 USDA report found sales through intermediated channels are a growing segment of the local food market; those buyers often require farms to be GAP certified. A CFSA survey found that most NC and SC retailers require GAP certification. Industry members report that direct market outlets are also under pressure to require GAPs. Small farms need scale-appropriate practices that conform to GAP standards to remain competitive. CFSA?s programs addressing that need have proven highly effective: 72 percent of participants in our programs to date have increased their annual sales by at least $5,000. This project?s goals are to: 1) provide Food Safety Program and Plan Development assistance to farmers seeking GAP certification, 2) conduct 2-day workshops covering Principles of Fresh Produce Safety and Navigating the GAP Audit, and 3) provide GAPs workshops at conferences in NC.

This project restores and sustains Cleveland County Fair?s (CCF) ability to effectively showcase agriculture and promote agribusiness in Cleveland County and the surrounding region by facilitating critical repairs to aging agricultural buildings and farmer operated permanent food stands on the fairgrounds. These facilities include the Dorton Exhibit Hall, Weathers Livestock Arena, Poultry Barn, and Farm Adventures Building?all essential to furthering the agricultural mission of the Fair. These facility enhancements will enable CCF to continue to award farmers for their quality exhibits, inform the public through farm-related educational booths and displays, engage youth and adults in competitive livestock shows and judging contests, and connect non-farm families to agriculture and its contributions to our local economy and quality of life?.thereby sustaining production agriculture as Cleveland County?s leading industry.

The 2014 farm bill and the shortage of good quality coastal hay for cattle has increased the interest in cover crops in the past 12 months. The 2015 trails were small plot trials due to the fact that most plots were seeded by hand. Because tobacco is conventional tilled crop, it is important to be able to get a cover crop on after the tobacco stalks are turned under. Also, fall seeding into pastures gives grazing opportunities for cattle throughout the winter, reducing hay usage. A 6-foot Grain Drill with small seed attachment would allow us to use the large plots with more realistic method of planting. The information grained from these trials will help growers determine what mixes work best in in our area for cover and grazing, the cost of these mixes, and what time of year they can be planted to produce a viable cover crop.

Project Skilling Up, a workforce development initiative, has three core components: 1) outreach and recruitment activities to individuals in communities adversely impacted by the downturn in the tobacco industry; 2) skills assessment and short-term occupational skills training with financial assistance to students to meet their educational goals; 3) delivering targeted entrepreneurship training for new and emerging small food entrepreneurs in partnership with Small Business Center. Requesting continuation of funding for short term credentials scholarship, continued collaboration with Piedmont Food and Agricultural Processing Center to provide entrepreneurial training to new and emerging small food businesses, and delivery of a Small Food Business Conference to improve regional and local access in financial record keeping, supply chain logistics, marketing and branding, legal and tax implications. With the decline in tobacco farming and tobacco-related industries, access to education, occupational skills training, and targeted workshops/seminars are essential to economic stimulus and recovery in these counties.

The 2012 USDA Census Agriculture reported the average age of farmers in NC was 58.9 years. As the agricultural population ages, we must meet future challenges by bringing new people into agriculture with innovative perspectives and a will to lead. To meet this demand, we began a pilot program in 2015 with the goal of identifying, supporting, and graduating a group of new agricultural entrepreneurs. The program combined a rich university learning experience, robust mentoring from current agricultural leaders, and an experimental internship to provide on-farm training. We plan to continue this program, supporting students in the form of internship wages, scholarships, and significant training. In addition, this program will allow graduates to apply for business plan award and the opportunity to rent farmland at a reduced rate for period of 3 years, providing them an incubation opportunity to start their own agricultural operation.

Across rural NC, many communities are locked in a downward economic spiral. This struggle is partly due to a changing economy and the downturn in tobacco. To compete in today?s global market, family farms must explore innovative strategies to improve the economics of their global market, family farms must explore innovative strategies to improve the economics of their operations. NCSU combines research, teaching and extension to provide innovative solutions and practices. NCSU Extension professionals are uniquely positioned to help local producers explore new opportunities, identify key on-farm investments that support thriving farm operations, to learn from local projects, and disseminate the results statewide. To accomplish this, NCAF is requesting $640,000 to fund a two-year NC AgVentures program. The funds will be used for cost-share grants to benefit farming operations and increase farm profits. Grant opportunities will be distributed across eighteen Piedmont & Eastern NC counties that were tobacco dependent. NC AgVentures will award at least 48 grants (a combination of individuals and community) impacting a minimum of 60 farmers. Grant recipients will provide 15% in funds toward the project cost.

Commercial farms have expressed need for a business education program focused on the special needs of a southeastern agriculture. This project will develop and implement a pilot program to increase business management competencies in 20-25 NC farms with greater than $1 million in farm receipts. Modules in financial and human resource management, marketing, strategic planning, risk management and succession planning will be taught in workshops in January and December 2017 with other topics such as agricultural outlook included in online intercessions. Curriculum will be taught by faculty from NCSU & ECU. The pilot program will target NC tobacco and sweet potato farms. NC farms with over $1 million in farm receipts produced over $517 million of $732 million in tobacco sales and over 53,000 of 59,000 acres of sweet potatoes harvested in NC in 2012. This pilot will be template for a future program for specialized southeastern agriculture.

The purpose of this project is three-fold. First, this project will create a robust, statewide internship program that helps AGI students gain relevant work experience and on-the-job learning by matching them with farmers, businesses and other organizations. Second, this project will develop a new agribusiness entrepreneurship curriculum. And finally, the project will bolster our student recruitment. This project is necessary for several reasons. Internships help AGI students develop the professional, interpersonal and leadership skills they will need to meet the challenges of an increasing globalized economy. The Agricultural Entrepreneurship concentration in designed to address both the rapidly growing need for new agricultural businesses and enhance existing agricultural business by utilizing new approaches and technologies. Finally, the project will benefit several populations such as: urban and rural farmers, tobacco farmers other businesses and other populations who may not have considered agriculture as a career before such as: veterans, minorities and women.

Johnston County Economic Development data shows that the county population growth, the lack of higher education attainment, and the job growth in the county indicate a continued need for job training. The employment numbers in the agriculture sector continue to fall and the weekly wage in that sector remains at the bottom of the ranking. At the same time, manufacturing in the county is growing with over 800 new jobs over the next 4 years. Johnston County Works (JCW) is an educational/employment program that will offer educational scholarships to farmers, tobacco quota holders, farm workers and their families who have been affected by the changes in the tobacco and agriculture industries. JCW will target individuals who are unemployed or underemployed offering training programs that will lead to employment. The success of this program will be evaluated on the number of awardees who successfully complete their chosen coursework and gain employment.

This project will directly assist vegetable and fruit crop growers to adopt advanced ?clean? collection practices for plastic mulch films from plasticulture production ? so these residuals can be recycled. In partnership with NC Extension and programs partners, new equipment technology, a lease co-op, training and outreach will be delivered to growers in multiple demonstration sites in the WNC and piedmont regions. With over 37,660 acre under plasticulture production, NC growers need these solutions for improved management of residuals. Led by Waste Reduction Partners, this 2-years project will create a $1.6 million in added value in grower savings, material revenues and recycling markets expansion, while diverting 1,562 tons of plastics from landfilling and burning. The initiative promotes farm stewardship and economic stability in tobacco related regions, providing 32 sustained and new jobs, plus skills improvements for 100 farmers. This project builds on the current success of the state?s Agriculture Plastics Recycling Project.

NCTTFC cost-share assistance will provide 25% cost-share grants to WNC farmers for energy efficiency or renewable energy projects that increase agricultural output and/or decrease energy costs. The program will become a cornerstone of our current energy outreach program, the Energy Conservation Assistance Program (E-CAP), which has been connecting with WNC farms to provide the technical and application assistance necessary for shovel-ready energy projects. Our goal with NCTTFC Energy for Farms is to address the funding deficit we have discovered in the assistance programs currently available (NRCS-EQIP, USDA-REAP) toward the small farmers in formerly tobacco-dependent counties who do not have the higher levels of working capital that these programs expect. Project examples that farmers are currently seeking funding for through our outreach efforts; solar-PV electricity for cold storage rooms, insulating processing rooms and greenhouses, and more.

This project will assist the state?s farms and ranches to increase sales of their produce and meats through the shared cost of new marketing efforts directed to consumers. The project will build upon part of a 2013-2015 NCTTFC grant which enabled many NC commodity associations to successfully develop their marketing capabilities. This project will focus primarily on effectively utilizing those capabilities to increase sales for those commodities. Farms and ranches selling directly to food service, retail or consumer, and are not supported by a commodity association in cost-share funds for their marketing efforts. Supported projects would be targeted toward efforts producing tangible, short and long term sales results rather than brand awareness, directly benefiting the farmer/rancher with increased sales and revenue.

In NC, deer consume approximately $30 million of crops annually. High levels of crop loss typically require farmers to replant fields or obtain special permits to eliminate nuisance deer. Removal of deer annually and in a sustainable manner saves farmers money and provides a protein-rich food source to local commodities. Since 2012, under the NCTTFC?s supported Farmers and Communities Manage Deer program, hunters, farmers and community organizations have been working together to harvest deer to assist farmers while feeding the hungry. Establishment of this community model has developed a support network for the project and laid a foundation for future expansion. If funded, the program will take the logical next step to expand?the NC Hunters for the Hungry processor network will be increased to accommodate more harvested deer in traditional tobacco and soybean farming communities while more funds will be allocated for deer processing.

The Northeast Regional School of Biotechnology & Agriscience (NERSBA) serves 200 high school students from 5 rural counties including Beaufort, Martin, Pitt, Tyrrell and Washington. The school was established in 2012 to address the need to better prepare students for the growing demands of the agriculture and biotechnology fields in eastern NC. NERSBA is located in rural Jamesville, NC and has begun to establish itself as a community school promoting the importance of agriscience and biotechnology. Cultivating a Community Learning Lab is a comprehensive agriculture program that is focuses on fostering a community of scholars through advanced, innovative education in biotechnology and agriscience in a unique educational setting, empowering scholars and the community with project based learning, communication and leadership skills. This program will not only benefit the scholars of NERSBA, but Martin Community College students, Jamesville Elementary School students, faculty and community members with hands-on learning activities.

The goals and objectives of the Project Skill-Up program will be to strengthen partnerships with business/industry, workforce development and economic development through a collaboration of needs assessments, skills identification, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to eliminate the barriers that inhibit the occupational skills training of unemployed and underemployed residents who have been adversely affected by the decline in tobacco farming and tobacco-related industries. The aim of the grant is to develop additional courses that provide for a wider range of employment/entrepreneurial opportunities for the target population in addition to providing financial assistance for educational related fees in the areas of registration, certification/credentialing cost, required supplies and start-up costs for farming retail businesses. The purpose is to increase and sustain employer engagement, connect students to qualify careers and empower farmers with starting a small business.

The Agricultural Reinvestment Fund provides cost-share grants to farmers in NC for innovative projects designed to increase farm income and build markets for NC agricultural products. Priority is given to current and former tobacco farmers. The program also produces publications and organizes educational events for the benefit of NC farmers. From 1997 to 2012, NC lost 8,902 farms and 1,030,111 acres of farmland. The largest losses have been from farmers between 50 and 1,000 acres, associated with the shift of tobacco production to fewer, larger farms. The Agricultural Reinvestment Fund is a proven model to increase farm income by migrating the risk of entrepreneurship, replacing lost tobacco income with higher-value agricultural products and providing all NC farmers with models for innovation and entrepreneurship. (Our program was founded din 1997 and was formerly named the Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund.) In 2015 we receive approximately 500 inquiries from NC farmers about the program, which is amount the largest numbers of inquiries in a single year to date.

Southeastern Community College, located in rural Columbus County, requests $33,950 for Project Skills to Succeed which is designed to serve the following target populations: former tobacco quota holders, current/former tobacco farmers and their family members. The Project has three goals: 1) Sustain and expand career pathways ? Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing and Agribusinesses; 2) Enhance knowledge and skills of agribusiness owners to encourage diversification; and 3) Market grant opportunities. Project Skills to Succeed will provide financial assistance for 190 participants to enroll in workforce continuing education training and seminars which will enhance employability skills through the attainment of industry-recognized credentials and an awareness of options for diversification in agribusinesses. Participants will be better equipped for employment opportunities in identified industry sectors including: healthcare, advanced manufacturing and agribusiness. According to Columbus County?s labor market data, all three pathways are ranked in the top 10 industry/employment sectors for the 3rd quarter, 2015.

Surry Skill-UP is a Surry Community College workforce development in imitative with the following core components: 1) outreach and recruitment activities to individuals, communities and businesses adversely impacted by the changes in the tobacco industry; 2) skills assessments and short-term occupational skill training; and 3) financial assistance to students to meet their educational goals. In addition to these components, Surry Community College will implement classes, workshops and seminars that target current or potential farmers and the farming community in our two county service area. Labor market statistics reveals a downward trend in the number of farms, an aging farming workforce, high rates of unemployment, and high rates of families living below the poverty level. With the decline in tobacco farming and tobacco-related industries, access to education, occupational skills training and targeted workshops/seminars are essential to economic stimulus and recover

The NCTTFC Supervised Agricultural Institute is a week-long residential camp held at the University of Mount Olive (UMO). The camp will provide industry and leadership training to FFA members who will earn 45 hours of Supervised Agricultural Experience that can be accumulated toward various FFA chapter, state and national awards. The Institute allows students attendees to evaluate various agricultural operations and facilities (agronomic, livestock, processing, natural resources, and power and structural technology systems). FFA members would also be exposed to actual hands-on learning experiences through these activities in the fields of horticulture, agronomy, GPS systems and other areas. The Institute will include chapter advisors, allowing them through attendance to earn 3 hours of Continuing Education Credit as a participant. The Institute would include training opportunities for both FFA members and advisors including training on leadership, proficiencies, students SAEs and other in-service opportunities.

The center will house the USDA Farm Services Agency, the Soil and Water Conservation District, the Natural Resource and Conservation Services, and the NCSU Cooperative Extension Offices. All of the existing offices are overcrowded, and in a building with considerable age. This will expand the space, giving them a total of 22,661 sf. The estimate for the portion is $6,537,045. On the grounds will also be a farmers market and a greenhouse. There will be a state of the art home demonstration kitchen. These offices are badly needed to provide expert advice for our farmers to be as productive as possible. With the decrease in tobacco acreage, farmers are diversifying into other crops and into livestock and poultry. Attached to the center will be a 38,947 sf convention center. It will provide hospitality industry jobs for unemployed, underemployed and displaced workers.

WNC Communities is requesting $735,000 over three years from the NCTTFC to continue to expand the WNC AgOptions program. These funds will provide at least 100 new demonstration grants over three years to help family farmers in Western NC diversify and expand their farming operations and replace tobacco-based income.

The 2014 farm bill and the shortage of good quality coastal hay for cattle has increased the interest in cover crops in the past 12 months. The 2015 trails were small plot trials due to the fact that most plots were seeded by hand. Because tobacco is conventional tilled crop, it is important to be able to get a cover crop on after the tobacco stalks are turned under. Also, fall seeding into pastures gives grazing opportunities for cattle throughout the winder, reducing hay usage. A 6 ft Grain Drill with small seed attachment would allow us to use the large plots with more realistic method of planting. The information grained from these trials will help growers determine what mixes work best in in our area for cover and grazing, the cost of these mixes, and what time of year they can be planted to produce a viable cover crop.

The project is designed to offer NC REAL Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Landscape & Design training to individuals in the college?s four-county service area. These educational courses will be offered through day and evening options at VGCC?s four-county campuses or other community locations, within the region, during the grant period.

The project will address the needs of the region?s aging population to secure more healthcare positions. Because a portion of this aging population will not be in long-term care facilities, nursing assistants, phlebotomists and paramedics will also be needed in the hospitals, for in-home care options as well as on the front-line for emergent needs. Funding will assist with tuition costs for approximately 60 students.

This grant supports a workforce development initiative that provides training, skills assessment and financial assistance for students so that they can enhance their skills and/or move into new careers. Students must have an agricultural connection whether through their family or through previous employment. Students with ties to the tobacco industry will be given priority.

The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, is being developed by a partnership between the City of Wilson, Wilson Downtown Properties, and Wilson Downtown Development Corporation. Grant funds will aid in the construction of a new farmer?s market shelter which will be open one-two days in the upcoming Whirligig Park. The shelter will also be used for community events at the park. This new location is geared toward developing the downtown area of this ?former tobacco town.?

This project will increase opportunities for entrepreneurs and farmers statewide. Funds will support manufacturing line staff and operational expenses to further implement, maintain and manage the co-packing program at Blue Ridge Food Ventures. Funding will also support development and training for production processes, Food Safety/Good Manufacturing Plans, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and quality control systems.

The grantee will work with representatives in specific counties to fund innovative cost-share projects which support agricultural profitability and productivity. Each project will be funded based on its potential to positively benefit the economic development of the respective local communities, agricultural diversification, farm profitability, and skill and resource development for current and future farmers.

The funds will be used for cost-share grants to enhance farming operations. Specific counties in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain will be targeted. Approximately 20 individual grants and 10 community grants will be awarded and carried out.

This project will provide a marketing cost share program to farmers, including current and former tobacco farmers. The goal is to empower farmers to increase the visibility of their products in local markets and improve their ability to compete more effectively. The program will offer a one-to-one match up to 50% of the cost of promotional materials, assisting 75 farmers.

The initiative places high quality agricultural machinery rescue instruction into tobacco-dependent and agricultural-dependent communities throughout NC. The goals are to mobilize the agricultural machinery rescue introductory and certification courses by purchasing specific instructional equipment and to strengthen the rescue and emergency response needs in NC communities. The project is needed throughout NC to support the efforts of local emergency personnel and to alleviate the unattainable financial burden to community colleges to purchase dedicated equipment and other highly-specified course materials.

Skilling Up is a workforce development initiative that provides training, skills assessment and financial assistance for students so that they can enhance their skills and/or move into new careers. Students must have an agricultural connection whether through their family or through previous employment. Students with ties to the tobacco industry will be given priority. The program will also implement a Small Food Business Conference to train new and emerging food businesses.

Off the Ground will create an agricultural training center in Stokes County to educate transitional farmers, high school students and recent graduates, entrepreneurs and others in the techniques and profitability of an agricultural model that embraces sustainable, small-acreage farming. Forsyth Tech along with other partners will develop, promote and deliver credit and non-credit courses showing new ways to profit from the sustainable use of land once designated for tobacco. The grant will fund ag-related training classes and supplies.

The project will provide a minimum of 32 grants to school Agricultural Education programs in North Carolina that will improve and enhance these programs. Grants will be used to fund innovative, sustainable, and relevant projects that will assist the Agricultural Education program in meeting the current needs of the agricultural industry.

The funding will continue support of a part-time market manager. The market serves Martin County as a resource for fresh produce and local grown meat products and is open every Saturday.

The Domestic Marketing Division will support regional trade conferences and local meetings in which the state?s farmers and meat/seafood producers will meet individually with retail and foodservice buyers. The concept is based on past successful conferences that resulted in increased sales and distribution of NC products.

The NC Food Manufacturing Task Force will work to best position NC for growth of in-state processing and manufacturing of agricultural products. Benefits of this initiative will create additional market opportunities for farmers, provide additional employment opportunities and increase the contributions of agriculture to our state?s economy. The grant will support administrative and personnel costs to carry out the Task Force?s mission.

The cost-share program for agritourism farmers will develop marketing tools to increase the number of visitors to their farms. The farms have the potential to increase on-farm sales and overall farm value.

The grant will impact disadvantaged farmers and assist them with training on farm finances. Farmers will share in the costs for accounting services and training. The goal is for these farmers to be more efficient in their financial record-keeping and improve income while reducing expenses.

The project will support the purchase and support of a mobile soils classroom. These custom trailers will be used across the state to educate farmers and consumers on the importance of soil health as it relates to plant growth, fertilization, and more. Funds will also support training events and supplies for presentations.

This project is a workforce development initiative that provides training, skills assessment and financial assistance for students so that they can enhance their skills and/or move into new careers. Students must have an agricultural connection whether through their family or through previous employment. Students with ties to the tobacco industry will be given priority.

The project will provide cost-share grants to farmers in specific counties for innovative projects designed to increase farm income and build markets for NC agricultural products. Priority is given to current and former tobacco farmers.

The grant will support this custom workforce development initiative. The main goal is to provide financial assistance for short-term training courses that lead to third-party certifications to the unemployed or underemployed residents served. Priority funding of up to $250 will be awarded to students that have previous farming or agriculture work experience and to students that have family members who are current or were former farmers.

Grant funds will support plans to increase the brewing capacity at the college?s Center for Brewing Sciences in Eden. The expansion will train more students and expand outreach to the farming community, many of whom are past or current tobacco farmers. Funds will be used to help purchase new and needed equipment to be used for training for students.

Project Skill-UP Plus is a workforce development initiative that provides training, skills assessment and financial assistance for students so that they can enhance their skills and/or move into new careers. Students must have an agricultural connection whether through their family or through previous employment. Students with ties to the tobacco industry will be given priority. Intended beneficiaries are former tobacco quota holders, current/former tobacco farmers and their family members.

The grantee will implement classes, workshops, and seminars that target current or potential farmers and the farming community in the service area. With the decline in tobacco farming and tobacco-related industries, access to education, occupational skills training, and targeted workshops/seminars are essential to economic stimulus and recovery in these counties.

The project will help with establishing a part-time farmer?s market manager at the existing market in Williamston.

Project will provide cost-share funds for marketing and promotional costs incurred by WNC farmers. In addition, ASAP will provide a produce boxes under a group buying plan that will lower costs for farmers. Both programs are designed to reduce expenses and increase sales and income for farm families.

CFSA will target smaller farmers who apply for assistance to develop food safety plans. Farmers will be prepared to implement Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) audits.

Funds will assist Foothills Pilot Plant with expansion into pork processing and serve the needs of small pork producers.

This new program will identify up to 20 NCSU Agricultural Majors who plan to enter farming upon graduation. Students will be matched with established farming operations for summer apprenticeships which will train them for future farming careers.

Farmers in targeted counties may qualify for cost-share grants designed to support innovative projects and ideas that will increase farm income. Between 20-30 projects will be implemented.

The project will establish protocols for agricultural emergency preparedness. Targeted areas will receive assistance on best coordination and communication of activating and deployment of emergency plans to farms and agricultural communities.

Cost-share program for small small farm owners directly marketing to the consumer. The group-buying program will offer an essential item at a reduced cost.

Farms will learn the critical steps in addressing on-farm emergencies and accidents. ?First on Scene? training will be provided to emergency responders. Cost share for emergency equipment will be available to participants.

Qualifying community college students will receive financial assistance towards tuition, books and/or supplies. The project targets short term training opportunities designed to get students into the workforce.

200 Agricultural education instructors will be trained on how to better teach entrepreneurship to their students. The curriculum will be utilized in high schools to reach thousands of students.

The project will expand the successful Farmers Manage Deer program to establish specific community programs which implement deer reduction programs on farms, increase processing opportunities and expand the distribution of protein to the food insecure. A key goal will be reducing the acres of crops lost to deer and increasing yields.

Through cost-share grants the project will target small farms who implement innovative ideas to expand farm income. Their projects will serve as demonstrations for other farmers from which they can learn.

TRLC personnel will assist landowners with forest management plans and provide cost-share towards the consultation costs of plan developers.

Funds will be used towards construction of a new pavilion that will serve as a farmers market and concession area at the new Troutman Town Park.

The project will develop a pilot demonstration program that will promote the cost benefits and increased marketing potential of discarded agricultural plastics and overwintering film for recycling.

Funding will allow the WNC AgOptions program to continue for over two years. By offering cost-share grants to farmers and communities, qualified farmers will be able to diversify or expand operations and replace tobacco income

The project will help WNC livestock producers earn more for their livestock by selling their cattle at the WNC Regional Livestock Center. Logistical challenges for livestock producers to deliver cattle to the center will be addressed.

The project will enhance the objectives of the TRACTOR produce distribution facility and provide support for personnel and cold storage equipment.

Grant funds will be used to develop regional marketing campaigns to encourage consumers to visit and purchase ?choose and cut? Eastern Christmas trees. The grantee?s website will be improved for more complete consumer information.

Expand the sales and distribution of NROG products into the Winston-Salem and Charlotte regions. Over 60 farmers will be impacted.

The weekly Elkin Farmers Market has no permanent facility for market vendors and customers. Funds will be used towards construction of a permanent open shelter on a downtown parking lot. The facility will also serve as a gathering point for other community events designed to boost the local economy.

Funding will support efforts to promote and sell more NC products in grocery stores and restaurants. Commodity associations may also qualify for cost-share assistance on their own marketing campaigns. The project benefits farmers and food processors.

The successful Kinston market operates year-round. Funds will be used to renovate the entire parking lot so that drainage issues can be resolved. Parking and entrance ways will also be improved for vendors and customers.

At least 20 community colleges across the state will utilize grant funds to target workforce development initiatives The objective is to assist students with tuition/supply costs related to new career training. Students must have a tobacco industry/production connection in order to receive assistance. Just under 2,000 students will be impacted.

Provides over 20 cost-share grants to individual farmers and producer groups for innovative projects designed to increase farmer income. Priority is given to former/current tobacco farmers. The projects also serve as demonstrations from which other farmers can learn.

Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to over 30 high schools to support their agricultural education programs. The objective is to enhance projects that boost local schools and encourage students to pursue ag-related careers.

Invasive, herbicide-resistant weeds threaten NC field crops. The funding will support a state-wide media campaign that encourages farmers to adopt a ?zero-tolerance? policy to combat these weeds.

Funds will be used towards a 2-year regional marketing campaign designed to increase attendance and generate farm tours in the region. The local economy will benefit and increased attendance will mean more visitors will better understand and appreciate the tobacco heritage of NC.

Provides over 20 cost-share grants to farmers and food producers for innovative projects designed to increase farm income and serve as demonstration projects for other farmers.

Provides funds for half of the cost to expand the WNC Livestock Center walkway. The expansion will allow for more producers and buyers to oversee cattle offered for sale.

Project expands the proven success of the Agri-Safe program which trains farm families to identify health issues and provides services that lead to healthier lifestyles. On-farm inspections are conducted to identify safety issues and help farmers correct them and reduce on-farm injuries.

Renovates an existing building which will be the new home of the market. Funds will be used for the construction/renovation costs and for parking lot improvements. The facility will accommodate more vendors and allow for a longer selling season. It will also be used for other community events designed to boost the local economy.

Grant will be leveraged with other funders to purchase customized removable flooring that can be used at the center. Additional pavilion clients will be secured due to the flooring option and more events will generate a very positive economic impact for the region. *Project was discontinued and funds were not spent.

Project provides a four-day short course for young tobacco farmers, extension personnel and ag leaders. Economic, marketing and governmental issues are researched and explored so that students can improve production and marketing practices related to their work.

N.C. State University research will be conducted on this promising new crop for a two-year period. Field trials, farmer workshops and cooperative testing with a major Stevia processor will develop information on best practices for farmers to implement and open a new crop market for producers.

Project is designed to provide pertinent and accurate information that is specific to tobacco farming and the broader tobacco industry. Funds support production and distribution of at least four issues of the association?s newsletter and its annual Resource Guide to over 6,000 readers.

Funds will be used for a cost-share program that will enhance the marketing of local farm tours and increase sales of local food products. Assistance will be given to start a new farm tour operation.

Funds will be used for Phase II training for farmers on the newest EPA regulations on soil fumigant usage. Training will include fit-testing of respirators for farmers, their families and workers. Workshops and seminars will also instruct farmers on healthier living choices. The project will reach over 500 farming operations.

Up to 20 community colleges across the state will utilize grant funds to target workforce development initiatives Core components include developing and implementing outreach activities to individuals, communities, and businesses adversely impacted by changes in the tobacco industry; provide skills assessment and short-term occupational skills training; and provide financial assistance to students to meet their educational goals. It is expected to reach 2,000 students.

Provides over 20 cost-share grants to individual farmers and producer groups for innovative projects designed to increase farmer income. Priority is given to former/current tobacco farmers.

Project will implement a pilot project to reduce high populations of deer and reduce the crop damage incurred by many farmers. An extensive program will be developed to process the deer meat and provide local food banks with much-needed protein. Crop loss in NC due to deer damage costs farmers hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenue.

A new community kitchen located at Mayland Community College will allow local food entrepreneurs to process new products to sell both locally and through distributors. Grant funds will pay for kitchen equipment and infrastructure needed for the facility.

Funds will be used towards construction of the new farmers market. Grant funds will be leveraged for completion of the facility, which will be used for community meetings, agricultural training sessions and a farmers market that will be open twice a week.

Provides over 20 cost-share grants to farmers and food producers for innovative projects designed to increase farm income and serve as demonstration projects for other farmers.

Funds a series of workshops for livestock producers. Seminars and on-site trials will teach producers how to improve livestock herds and add income to their operations.

Grant amount will be leveraged with other funders for an all-new agricultural center. The facility will house offices for extension personnel and provide essential meeting space for a variety of workshops and seminars for the community. Estimated cost of the facility is expected to be over $4 million.

Provides funding for a refrigerated truck for the county?s new produce handling and distribution facility (Toe River Aggregation Center Training Organization Regional) that serves area farmers. Produce will be brought to the facility, washed, graded and packed for distribution to retail and wholesale outlets.

Funds will support educational materials for a series of Food Safety Forums that will take place across the state. The sessions will address current food safety issues and regulations and how farmers and food companies can utilize various resources.

Funds will support operations support personnel for the Foothills Pilot Plant. The facility processes rabbits and poultry for small farmers in western NC and the new operation is already at capacity.

Project will help build a diesel mechanic training facility. High demand from agri-businesses in the area has spurred the need for a comprehensive training program that will enhance skills of current workers and train potential employees. During its first two years of operation, the program expects to train over 100 diesel mechanics and place over 30 mechanics in new jobs.

The NC MarketReady group, based at the Kannapolis research campus will utilize this grant to continue with the successful VAPG initiative which began in 2008. Local food processors can receive cost-share assistance for processing equipment, which will enhance their operations and increase sales. The project emphasizes support for farmers who grow their own food items used for processing.

30 young, beginning, small or minority farm families will complete an online module to increase their farm business knowledge. Mentored by Farm Credit personnel, the families will develop business plans and learn financial management skills.

Project seeks to recover markets, farm income, and employment from nursery crop production and reestablish it as a growing and profitable segment of the rural agricultural economy. Extensive marketing campaign will target wholesalers and consumers. It will also develop a sustainable program to introduce superior plants for diversification of nursery crops and expand opportunities for growers.

Cost-share assistance grants of up to $2,000 for educational programs at 32 high schools with established FFA programs across the state. Funds will be used for innovative and sustainable projects designed to enhance teaching and provide subjects that meet the needs of the ag industry.

Two-year program designed to provide intense training to 30 ag-related leaders so that leadership, interpersonal and communication skills can be strengthened.

Project will improve testing of heifers to determine calving weaknesses and strengths. Improved herd management will increase the quality of cattle and improve prices paid to farmers.

This project will determine range of a recently introduced and potentially devastating pest (Spotted Wing Drosophila) for small fruit growers. Test traps will be monitored across the state and pest controls measures will be studied and relayed to growers.

Project provides a four-day short course for young tobacco farmers, extension personnel and ag leaders. Economic, marketing and governmental issues are researched and explored.

Project is designed to provide pertinent and accurate information that is specific to tobacco farming and the broader tobacco industry. Funds support production and distribution of at least four issues of the association?s newsletter and its annual Resource Guide to over 6,000 readers.

Funds will be used towards much-needed renovations at the downtown farmers market. Bathroom facilities, lighting and other needs will be met.

Funds will be used towards land preparation and construction of a livestock facility. Its primary purpose will be to sort/grade cattle for the Coastal Carolina Cattle Alliance. The building will also complement activities at the Duplin Events Center.

This project will increase direct market sales of NC produce. Consumer directed media and cost-share funds for roadside markets will enhance sales. Seasonal seminars for farmers markets will also be offered.

Project will establish forestry associations in four southeastern NC counties. Landowners will take advantage of educational seminars and assistance designed to increase income from forest lands.

Grantee will implement a new service using ?Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction? for fast and reliable identification of specific strains of nematodes. Farmers will be able to better manage their pest management practices especially in chemical selection and crop rotation.

Up to 24 community colleges across the state will utilize grant funds to target workforce development initiatives Core components include developing and implementing outreach activities to individuals, communities, and businesses adversely impacted by changes in the tobacco industry; provide skills assessment and short-term occupational skills training; and provide financial assistance to students to meet their educational goals.

Provides cost-share grants to individual farmers and producer groups for innovative projects designed to increase farmer income. Priority is given to former/current tobacco farmers.

Project will contract with NCSU personnel to perform storage and CO2 testing on almost all NC sweet potato farms to ensure product quality can be sustained. Storage quality is critical to the industrial sweet potato processing companies.

Project will provide site development funds to improve access and construct a new vendor shelter for the farmer?s market.

Funds will be leveraged with federal dollars to renovate portions of the Pilot Center?s classrooms and computer labs. Space will be used for educational training sessions for farmers and the public.

Funds will be leveraged with other funders for land preparation and construction of a farmer?s market and multi-purpose building to serve up to 40 farmer vendors. Facility will be used for community meetings and training sessions.

Provides cost-share grants to individual farmers and producer groups for innovative projects designed to increase farmer income. Priority is given to former/current tobacco farmers.

Funds will be used for product and market development for Blue Ridge Food Ventures clients. BRFV is an incubator for new businesses and offers food processing facilities at low cost to food entrepreneurs.

Project will help build a multi-purpose clear-span building at the county fairgrounds. Facility will be used for various events throughout the year. Increasing farmer income will be the primary goal of the activities.

Provides cost-share assistance for up farmers to implement energy saving projects such as wind or solar power.

Project will fund a high level trade missions to Asia to promote North Carolina tobacco, commodities, and other agriculture products. The result will be increased sales of NC products in an expanded market.

Funding will support expansion of the Biotechnology Center?s headquarters, creating space for the Statewide Agricultural Biotechnology Initiative. The SABI will support supply chain development for new crops, improvements in agricultural techniques and finding new uses for old crops. Beneficiaries include producers of nutritionally or commercially superior foods, manufacturers of plant-based pharmaceuticals, renewable energy crop producers, and natural product industries.

Project will fund a marketing cost share program for farmers, farmer groups and farmer tailgate markets in western North Carolina. Cost share will be on a direct one-to-one match for marketing and promotional materials.

Provide 2-year scholarships and internships to seven students in NCSU?s Agricultural Institute. Students who are first in their family to attend college will receive priority. Focus will be on counties classified as tobacco dependent and still deriving most of their income from agriculture. Students will be required to cost-share expenses and return to work in their home counties upon graduation.

Farmers in the three counties currently participating in the AgriSafe/Certified Safe Farm of NC program will be reimbursed for 50% of costs associated with recommended safety and health improvements. The project serves up to 150 participating farms, providing an incentive for farmers to make priority safety improvements.

This project will execute the soft launch of Farmhand Foods, a branded meat company that will aggregate pasture-based beef and pork products from independent farmers, partner with existing processing businesses, and market and distribute to local restaurants and retail groceries in NC.

Through this project an evidence-based food safety training program for NC Farmers? Markets operators and vendors will be established and evaluated for efficiency. This program will be built specifically for the actual practices of vendors by assessing the current practices across the state. Practical solutions will be provided for food safety issues and help create a food safety culture within farmers markets.

This project will demonstrate and research organic canola and spelt production so that North Carolina farmers will have research based information to successfully grow and market these crops. Research and outreach to farmers will result in increased acreage of organic canola and spelt in the state and an increase in farm income.

Project strengthens markets by educating farmers on ways to increase sales at direct markets. It educates consumers about NC produce to increase their purchases of fruits and vegetables. Utilizing the ?Produce Lady,? the program consists of 22 educational videos about selection, preparation, and storage of fresh produce. It includes a resource section online consisting of videos, recipes and news columns that Extension agents may localize to support farmers markets. It includes demonstrations, a blog and appearances capturing 75,000 weekly viewers of UNC-TV?s ?Almanac Gardener.?

Over 250 strains of Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs), the cause of bacterial wilt, have been collected from eleven tobacco fields in NC between 2006 and 2008. This project will investigate whether the Rs strains infect other crop hosts of the pathogen, such as tomatoes, peppers, and peanuts. This effort will determine the risk of high value crops to Rs tobacco populations and therefore the usability of tobacco land for other crops.

Project is designed to provide pertinent and accurate information that is specific to tobacco farming and the broader tobacco industry. Funds support production and distribution of at least four issues of the association?s newsletter and its annual Resource Guide to over 6,000 readers.

This project is a continuation of the existing North Carolina Organic Bread Flour Project and will establish an agronomic analysis centered on the demand for local hard winter wheat. Overall plan is to establish a market and branding for North Carolina flour and North Carolina bread products.

Funds will leverage an $820,000 grant from the US Dept. of Commerce for a permanent revolving loan fund to encourage banks to make loans to businesses targeting agriculture and advanced manufacturing, particularly small companies developing new value added products at the Kannapolis research campus. Loans will be for fixed assets and must create jobs, and are subordinated to other creditors providing an additional $1,000,000 in loans.

Pilot Mountain Pride will provide farmers with limited experience in direct local marketing with support for production, packaging, sales, and distribution of locally grown foods to area schools, hospitals, retirement communities, colleges, restaurants, and retailers. This project will spur a local food movement for the greater Winston-Salem area.

This project will fund initial development plans for the Tarboro-Edgecombe Farmer?s Market. Grant funding will be used to develop facility and site plans working with the Farmer?s Market committee.

The project will renovate a 7,500 square foot building in downtown Elizabethtown in order to create a year-round farmer?s market. It will feature two full-time vendors/tenants, a butcher and a bakery, and area farmers will have both indoor and outdoor spaces, which they can rent to sell their products.

This project will extend the Riverwalk foot bridge an additional 1,400 linear feet, construct two pedestrian shelters over the Riverwalk, and finish renovations to the Lumber River Information Center. These efforts will continue to create economic activity in the area as the economy continues to transition from tobacco to agritourism.

This project will continue the ?Got to be NC? marketing program to assist producers, farmers and value added food companies in growing sales with retail, food service and specialty food companies. This will enhance ability of traditional tobacco operations to shift to other consumable product production, and provide growth opportunities for value added companies.

Project will develop two workshops to educate current and former tobacco growers and other ag professionals on crop production under plasticulture. This project will improve resource management, farm profitability, develop new skills, and assist in family farm preservation.

Project continues developing new cane fruit varieties adapted to NC as well as new production technologies. The project will investigate technologies for optimizing production and lengthening production seasons; production of varieties and experimental selection in multiple environments, fruiting in non-traditional seasons, and use of tunnel structures for environmental protection and production season extension.

The project will support three primary areas: 1) develop alternative propagation methods to support N.C.?s strawberry nursery industry that has struggled with significant disease issues; 2) test and validate the economics and feasibility of off-season strawberry production; and 3) develop new strawberry cultivars that combine grower and consumer preferred traits.

Project will help farms across NC implement stringent risk mitigation measures (RMMs) required by the EPA beginning in 2010. At least 25 workshops will be held to train individuals on risk mitigation measures, including development of a Fumigant Management Plan and requirements for buffer zones. Required medical clearance for respirator use, respirator fit testing, and a full face respirator will also be provided at a reduced cost.

The project is a workforce development initiative with three core components: 1) develop and implement outreach and recruitment activities to individuals, communities, and businesses adversely impacted by changes in the tobacco industry; 2) provide skills assessment and short-term occupational skills training; and 3) provide financial assistance to students to meet their educational goals. The goals and objectives of this project will be implemented at 24 community colleges serving nearly 3,000 participants.

Project provides cost share assistance to up to 80 farmers transitioning from tobacco production or diversifying to additional agricultural enterprises for installing Best Management Practices that prevent sediment, nutrients, or other pollutants from entering streams within the boundaries of their farms.

Project seeks to recover markets, farm income, and employment from nursery crop production and reestablish it as a growing and profitable segment of the rural agricultural economy. Extensive marketing campaign will target wholesalers and consumers. It will develop a sustainable program to introduce superior plants for diversification of nursery crops and expand opportunities for growers.

Continuation of a highly successful program that provides skills training, support and emergency services and enhanced earnings potential for economically distressed dislocated workers.

Project will modify current programming and create new activities that will help to promote North Carolina farmers and the state?s agricultural heritage, increase agritourism and ensure that education programming will be available through the Tobacco Farm Life Museum for future generations.

Funds will assist with site plan and feasibility study for a future farmer?s market and multi-purpose building to serve up to 40 farmer vendors. Facility will be used for community meetings and training sessions.

This project will assist in completing Phase III of the WNC Regional Livestock Center as it opens to serve 3,000+ livestock producers. Funds will help improve operating efficiency, conserve natural resources, and conduct related marketing and training programs to improve facility use, herd management and farm-level profitability.

Project expands the agriculture department of Yancey County Schools, through the construction of an up-to-date instructional greenhouse and subsequent expansive hands-on curriculum integration. It will benefit students at Mountain Heritage High School and Mayland Community College

Funding for architectural/engineering drawings will pave the way for construction of a new Pilot Extraction Facility. The facility will be built for processing small-scale botanical extractions for advances in biotechnology and for consumer test markets. Organic materials processed will come from farm products in northeastern NC. *Grant objectives were was not fulfilled and no funds were utilized.

This project will help support New River Organic Growers farmers cooperative. The co-op is expected to grow in both sales and farmers as markets increase among area institutions and restaurants.

This project supports construction of a new restroom facility for the existing weekly farmers? market at Poplar Grove Plantation.

This project implements the sale and distribution of local foods produced throughout the rural north-central region of North Carolina into neighboring urban areas. The project intends to model after, and partner with, the Foothills Connect internet system that allows farmers and consumers to connect.

The project will implement a food processing and distribution program of local food production that will serve Southeastern NC through the formation of a farmers? cooperative primarily made up by limited resource and former tobacco farmers.

Provides cost-share marketing funds for nearly 350 farmers that are part of the Appalachian Grown marketing program in the western NC region. Producers will benefit from increased sales due to improved and expanded marketing efforts.

Implements statewide cost share campaign targeting grocery and foodservice outlets as well as commodity associations and is designed to increase sales of NC products. Utilizes successful Got to Be NC marketing campaign.

Provides funds towards architectural and engineering plans of a 21,000 square foot education center for visiting extended learning participants. Instructional programs will focus on ag-related curriculums, tours and businesses in the area in order to bring economic impact to community.

Provides support for continuation of Agricultural Review ? a monthly publication providing important agricultural information and reaching nearly 40,000 people/month.

Implements research program utilizing greenhouses to lengthen growing season for NC Strawberries and increase income for NC farmers.

Project utilizes high-tunnel greenhouses to study how produce seasons can be extended. Results will improve growing season and provided longer, sustained income for small farmers.

Continuation of successful grant program that provides financial assistance, job training and career enhancement for displaced workers. Expands funding for nine community colleges, adds funds for five more colleges and implements a job stimulus training program statewide.

Implements training program for farmers/workers transitioning to higher margin sustainable agricultural and other business ventures. Partners with local community colleges and other sources to implement program.

Funds site improvements for weekly farmer?s market, providing easier accessibility and parking for vendors and customers.

Grant leverages with other funders to assist with construction of new center for agricultural and other community groups.

Provides funding for staff development, curator projects, and marketing for the museum.

Assists downtown market with vendor tents, storage and marketing to encourage more customers and increased sales.

Provides funding towards Phase I facility construction for a new regional livestock marketing center.

Targets young, beginning, small and minority farmers through an e-learning curriculum. Farm families will be trained on financial planning, budgeting, and other aspects of farming operations essential to their success. AgCarolina Financial, Cape Fear Farm Credit and Carolina Farm Credit regional offices have partnered to administer the program.

Cost-share program for western farmers to utilize wind, solar and water energy projects in an effort to reduce their own energy costs.

Two-year project that establishes trains specialized and area agents to conduct farm safety audits and certify farms that meet specific safety criteria. Establishes AgriSafe health program through regional health-care professionals and clinics in order to identify medical issues and reduce health care costs.

Two-year project that researches a mechanized system and process capable of converting various forage grasses into energy pellets. The production and energy potential of switchgrass will be studied and a pellet mill established.

Project develops research plots to study how an intensive pasture-grazing system can decrease production expenses for cattle producers.

Purchases pasture-renovating seed drills so that farmers can rent at low costs in order to restore grasses essential to their livestock operations.

Funds the Pilot Scale Extraction Facility Location & Design Analysis that will determine plans for construction of the facility. Targets plant biotechnology companies that would utilize the services of the equipment and possibly locate to northeastern NC.

Funds will conduct a market development program to sell more NC Peanuts in major drug store chains. Program includes in-store displays, coupons and advertising to raise awareness about peanuts as a healthy snack and to increase product sales.

Funds will cover outreach coordinators and personnel to assist more WNC farmers in developing value-added products. Farmers will receive increased training on how to produce and market value-added products made from their own farm products.

Funds will assist ASAP personnel in training two NC communities on how to plan and execute local food campaigns, much like the current ASAP model. Grant would cover two years of training, planning and implementation for these multi-county regions.

Funds will be used to conduct a study on feasibility of bringing growers together to sell hard winter wheat to a custom milling facility. Project will also determine feasibility of setting up processing infrastructure for local flour production.

Funds will be used to expand the Nash County Area Farmer?s Market by building a 52? x 72? open shelter that will accommodate more produce vendors. 36 additional parking spaces will also be added for consumers.

Facility located in Hillsborough will provide a full service food processing center for 22 counties. Funds will be used for equipment to be purchased once renovations are complete. Funds are contingent upon other funding sources for which the group has applied.

Funds will expand the current farmer?s market to include a 20? x 30? honey extractor room and 10? x 10? walk-in cooler. Area honeybee operators will take advantage of the extractor in order to expand their honey products. Produce vendors at the market will utilize the cooler to maintain product freshness.

The Conservation Trust for NC will use funds to cover transaction costs to protect an additional 10 farms with tobacco backgrounds. Legal guidance and training for Soil & Water Conservation District staff is also included.

Project funds will be used for GAP certification and training of growers, salaries for manager and sales/production coordinator, dock improvements and other training. Farmers will expand production of produce and increased sales of local produce will be the result.

Funds a NCDA&CS 2-week trade mission to China and Taiwan with NC agri-industry representatives to promote sales and relationships for tobacco, soybeans, pork and sweet potato producers. Result will be improved relations with various commodities buyers and government officials that will lay groundwork for export of NC products.

100,000 large full color maps featuring NC agritourism farms will be printed and placed at all NC welcome centers. Visitors and residents will be able to readily locate farmers. Increased consumer traffic at these farms should result in higher sales for NC farmers.

Implement a custom designed new Lab Information Management System for the NCDA&CS agronomic lab. Services will include nematode assays, plant tissue and waste analysis. Lab will be able to handle increased sample and testing demands placed on it by farmers and consumers.

Surveys and visits to NC produce farmers to gather data on produce traceback programs. Traceback programs allow consumers, shippers and growers to track produce from the field to the store. Data will be used to implement a statewide recommendation on the best program that should be utilized by all produce growers/shippers in the state.

Develops and further expands bramble (blueberry, raspberry, blackberry) production research and testing at state research stations integrating good agricultural practices, studying the use of high tunnels to extend growing season, and implementing water quality improvements. Result will be better testing on varieties which farmers can grow and expand production.

Funding will continue for seven+ community colleges to target clients who need further job skills training and/or help in securing employment. As of 2008, nearly 600 persons had been served by previous grants. Project will expand to nine schools.

Funds will offer loan and investment capital for sustainable agricultural businesses. Within two years, the project will issue a minimum of 10 loans and leverage over $1.4 million in additional investment. Borrowers will be able to expand and/or venture out into new businesses designed to increase their farm income.

Funding will continue support for Project New Start Phase III. Assists dislocated workers in Wilson County with job research, personal training and employment. Case managers partner with county Employment Security Commission and JobLink to find positions at local businesses.

Funds will assist in implementing a biofuels processing lab for outreach and education for farmers. Long range goal is to develop crops in the area that could be used for biofuels and bring more income to farmers.

Grant will provide construction planning funds (such as license fees, site prep, architectural and engineering fees) to design, build and operate a permanent livestock market in Haywood County. All western NC livestock producers will be able to utilize the facility to sell and purchase livestock.

Funding will allow conversion of one research station tobacco barn for hot water curing fired by wood chips. Results of cost savings will be shared among other stations and farming operations for possible implementation.

Funds will support quarterly newsletters with vital research and marketing information that target 8,000 tobacco growers. Includes costs for the annual Tobacco Grower Resource Guide which is also distributed.

Grant will support educational and promotional efforts of the L.L. Polk House; the birthplace of the first Commissioner of Agriculture in NC. Consumer outreach will include educational displays and programs emphasizing the history and importance of agriculture to NC.

Project provides production and leadership course for over 25 exceptional young NC farmers. Workshops, tours and other resources are utilized to expand their knowledge of agri-business and production.

Project will provide micro grants of $2,500 or $5,000 for demonstration projects to 40 farmers located in Extension?s West District. The program?s continuance will advance sustainable agricultural development in WNC by improving the mountain farm while conserving water, open space, and wildlife habitat. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis. Participating farmers will attend agribusiness workshops and host farm visits from agents and the project director.

Project is a collaborative effort between Creative Food Ventures, Stokes CORE, and Saura Pride Sweet Potato Company to support current and former tobacco growers through harvest, transportation, and washing Stokes County purple sweet potatoes. Infrastructure improvements will help prepare sweet potatoes for processing into puree to make value added products.

Project is a collaborative effort to transition agriculture near Fort Bragg from tobacco and other traditional commodities to serve the imminent population growth of 30k ? 40k new residents by 2012. Efforts will link the food, fuel, and fiber needs of the country?s largest military installation to the agricultural capacity of the region. Funds will support a Regional Sustainable Ag Agent for three years.

Project provides comprehensive statewide training to extension agents who will assist producers and their employees in the development of food safety plans, good agricultural practices (GAPs) and best management practices (BMPs), and the training of farm workers. Agents will be trained in the 8 GAP principles, writing food safety plans, and liability issues of direct marketing. Implementation will be coordinated by the Fresh Produce Safety Task Force created in March 2007.

Project supports establishment of the Elaney Wood Family Heritage Farm and Alternative Agriculture Training Center in Greene County. Grant funds will support tobacco dependent individuals interested in diversification by developing a comprehensive strategic plan, designs for an agricultural training center, development of marketing and tourism plans, and relocation of existing buildings to the project site.

Project builds upon the Creating Business Opportunities (CBO) training of 2005 and 2006, and provides a core group of CBO graduates with more in-depth business training and access to nationally recognized business resources. The 28 participants completing this project will serve as a resource to other Extension professionals in NC. A nationally recognized business-planning curriculum will be adapted to fit the special needs of agriculture and Extension professionals.

Develop and implement a new young farmer production and leadership short course called SUCCEED. The course will help young growers compete in tobacco production in the face of continuing changes in the tobacco industry and in the entire agricultural sector. Course activities will address economics of tobacco production, agronomy, insect management, disease management, mechanization of production, curing,

Project will maintain delivery of critical and valuable information to tobacco growers statewide. Project includes preparation, printing and distribution of four seasonal newsletters and production, printing and distribution of the Tobacco Growers Resource Guide.

Project supports the 2008-2010 Ag Leadership Development Program, involving thirty farmers and agribusiness professionals ages twenty to forty-five from across NC. The program will develop a cadre of leaders able to meet the challenges of the changing agricultural economy. Participants will experience personal and professional growth, enhance understanding of agricultural and rural community issues, and understand and apply new leadership skills to build personal and public capacity.

Project expands the Value-Added and Alternative Agriculture website at www.cals.ncsu.edu/value-added. New web pages developed will provide extension faculty and farmers with comprehensive business and technical information on selected value-added and alternative agriculture enterprises. The goal is to increase farm profitability and lower costs of evaluating new enterprises for possible addition to farms.

Project will recognize each farmer who is actively participating in agricultural best management practices programs on their land. Signs placed at the entrance to each farmer?s land will carry the simple message of ?This Farm Cares About the Environment.? The project will increase general public awareness of environmentally beneficial conservation practices being implemented by the agricultural community, and enable farmers to feel a sense of pride, accomplishment and ownership in conservation practices on their land.

Project will support the Lumber River Enhancement Project through purchase of properties by the Town of Fair Bluff to expand the Riverwalk area and to renovate existing buildings, as well as construct a new Riverwalk footbridge. This project will replace lost tobacco income through increasing vitality of the local economy by promoting travel and tourism, provide greater access to the Lumber River for all people, and will protect the water quality of the Lumber River by establishing a natural conservation buffer in the downtown Fair Bluff area.

Project will construct and install a micro-hydroelectric generation unit at the farm of a trout producer and former tobacco grower in Graham County. The project will serve as an educational site for interested citizens throughout the far west region to help them understand how alternative energy systems can be applied to their homes and farms.

Project will conduct a feasibility study and create an implementation plan to re-establish livestock sales in the WNC region.

Project will improve the Lexington Farmers Market, including facility improvements at the old freight depot where the market is held as well as marketing and education efforts to increase sales. Goals are to improve the capability of local growers in Lexington and surrounding areas to expand operations, produce quality products, and market and sell their products.

Project will evaluate and develop a strategic initiative to build a grass based cattle production industry in NC. Goals include providing an additional source of income for farmers by creating a grass fed beef industry on a large scale, providing farmers with direct access to consumers through a home delivery system, and providing financial training to potential and new grass-fed beef producers.

Project will develop knowledge of bramble production as a viable farm alternative to tobacco. Funds will support breeding new varieties of brambles that are well adapted to NC and of higher quality and yield. Commercial blackberry production holds the greatest promise for NC farmers due to greater availability of adapted cultivars. Raspberry breeding will assist in developing cultivars with greater heat tolerance for growing in the piedmont and coastal plain.

Project will support continued success of workforce development programs at Forsyth Technical Community College, Lenoir Community College, Southeastern Community College, and Vance-Granville Community College, and will expand the program into three additional sites. Outcomes focus on education and training placements for individuals adversely affected by changes in the tobacco industry, career exploration activities, achieving educational credentials, and job placement.

Project will design and implement a retail/foodservice sales test for three marketing initiatives for North Carolina sweet potatoes. Objectives are to accurately quantify the effectiveness in raising and sustaining increased sales via three marketing programs within selected retail produce departments and casual dining foodservice establishments.

Project will support tobacco growers transitioning to alternative crops by providing New River Organic Growers with new infrastructure and marketing support. Project will serve to strengthen collaboration with Eastern Carolina Organics (ECO) through linking the organizations with refrigerated produce transportation for cross-distribution.

Project will support reconstruction of two heritage farms, one from 1880 and one from 1940, to illustrate how the community lived at these two periods of time. The farms will be conceptually tied into the already completed 1680 Occaneechi Village that opened in June 2007. Community members will be trained to work as historical interpreters on the heritage farms. The tribe will hold workshops for local farmers to raise awareness of alternatives to tobacco farming.

Project will refine and continue services to re-train dislocated tobacco workers and other dislocated workers for employability. This project will increase the overall level of training, employment, and income of dislocated tobacco workers by enhancing their knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm while providing them with case management.

Project will generate at least 20 new cost-share initiatives targeting 24 counties located throughout North Carolina. Funds will be allocated to participating farms through a competitive pass-through grants process, increasing farm and community income by providing support that emphasizes: 1) developing diversified ag enterprises to supplement or replace tobacco income; 2) ensuring intergenerational stability of NC farming operations; 3) creating and maintaining quality employment in target areas; 4) coordinating existing human resources to help projects succeed; 5) converting existing tobacco facilities and equipment to new use; 6) adding value to raw farm commodities; 7) making optimal use of natural resources.

Project will provide workforce development training to dislocated farm workers in Johnston and Sampson Counties to increase the target population?s basic educational qualifications and employment skills, prepare them for post-secondary education, broker their access to employment in high growth occupations, improve language abilities, and open connections between them and targeted employers.

Project will provide cost share assistance to farmers transitioning from tobacco or diversifying, for installing Best Management Practices that prevent sediment, nutrients, or other pollutants from entering streams within the boundaries of their farms.

Project will develop the knowledge and management tools necessary to reduce losses to the tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in tobacco. The project?s goal is to develop a system to predict the likelihood that damaging levels of TSWV will occur each year over locations in order to provide growers information on which to base their management practices and reduce losses. This information will be distributed to all NC tobacco farmers.

Project will sustain and deliver critical and valuable information to tobacco growers statewide by producing the Tobacco Grower Newsletter, The Tobacco Grower Resource Guide and a new edition of the Tobacco Growers Field Manual.

Project will develop a leadership seminar where participants will learn of pertinent agricultural issues and develop leadership skills. The project will conduct eight three-day seminars that targets agricultural professionals aged 25-45. The program will enhance the economic impact of participants by increasing their understanding of their businesses, industries, communities, economies and society as they are related to agriculture and rural communities. The program will enhance participants? capacities in problem solving, interpersonal communications, practical application of leadership abilities, and participatory processes to enable them to more effectively address contemporary issues related to agriculture, rural communities and citizens.

Project will conduct an intensive survey of the tobacco-growing regions for the incidence of black shank in tobacco cultivars, collect isolates of Ppn (fungus causing black shank disease) and determine the race structure of field populations across the state, and correlate Ppn race profiles with supplementary crop and field-site information.

Project is to increase the effectiveness of CALS faculty in developing and implementing profitable value-added enterprises for North Carolina farm families. This project will enhance the effectiveness of CALS extension and research projects by providing 1) farm business management resources to faculty to assist with evaluation of the profitability and implementation of newly developed value-added enterprises, 2) assembling information on potential value-added opportunities and publishing information about the cooperative efforts of NCSU and TTFC, 3) grant writing and planning assistance to faculty developing research or extension proposals for value-added projects for farm families and 4) facilitating assembling resources for faculty projects. This proposal is an initial step by CALS to increase faculty focus and resources on value-added enterprises.

Project will develop a management program for Pierce?s disease of grapes, which will allow tobacco farmers and others in the eastern and southern Piedmont of North Carolina to successfully plant wine grapes. Wine Grapes are at considerable risk because of Pierce?s disease.

Project will build on the ongoing work of North Carolina Land Trusts to contact tobacco farmers and buyout participants to make them more aware of conservation easements as a tool to protect their farms, keep them in farming, and provide tax incentives and other economic benefits. The project will use the results of outreach activities for Phases One and Two and the Farmland Conservation Plan (FCP) developed through May 2005 ?Tobacco Buyout Farmland Conservation Planning? grant.

Project will establish the use of biodiesel fuel on all agricultural research stations, provide biodiesel information at each research station Field Day, which are open to the public, and conduct additional Field Days to highlight and increase the use of biodiesel. The project?s goal is to provide farmers information regarding the benefits of using biodiesel on their farms.

Project will demonstrate the economic viability of horticultural crops by providing farmers opportunities to diversify using plasticulture, assisting with fertigation systems, and assisting with direct marketing through local food projects. The project?s goal is to place approximately 100-400 acres of farmland under efficient irrigation and weed-management systems.

Project will develop customized fast-track (3-8 month) programs that focus on the development of basic workplace skills to minorities (especially males), Hispanics, welfare recipients, and the working poor?who are over-represented in tobacco-related employment. Program participants will receive skill assessment, training, and career development counseling in order to obtain marketable skills.

Project will refine the Project ?New Start? model of helping dislocated workers through community-based strategies, explore new ways to engage nonprofit organizations in helping dislocated workers, and support research to identify to what extent tobacco farm workers need the kind of help that Project New Start has targeted to tobacco processing workers. The project?s goal is to provide job retraining assistance to former tobacco workers.

Project will assist with protecting a 370-acre organic tobacco producing farm in Alamance County through an agricultural easement. The Iseley Farm currently grows certified organic tobacco, maintains certified organic greenhouses, has a cow-calf beef cattle operation, has an on-site farm market selling strawberries, fresh vegetables, mums, etc? and offers educational programs for school children. The project will also protect the water quality of the Haw River by establishing a no-touch riparian areas along several tributaries to the Haw River and to the Haw River itself.

Project will generate up to 15 cost-share initiatives in 22 counties in order to enable individual tobacco growers to test farm-based initiatives to supplement or replace tobacco income. In addition, these initiatives will help develop the rural workforce by assisting growers in acquiring skills to redirect scarce resources into viable agricultural businesses.

The Capital Access project is a continuation and enhancement of the previous financial needs survey of farmers. This project will provide further outreach to farmers and lenders and advocate for reforms in lending policies and programs to better serve farm enterprises. The project?s goal is to survey tobacco farmers to determine their banking needs and then educate bankers on the benefits of providing loans to assist tobacco farmers with their diversification initiatives.

Project will procure resources such as supplies, equipment, technology updates, and Board of Directors and staff development necessary for the operation of the tobacco museum and the expansion of the education and agritourism programs. The Museum will also employ farmers who will conduct farm tours for participating tour groups.

Project will assist farm operations to diversify and expand in order to generate new sustainable economic growth in Western NC. Project will provide seed money to aide western NC farmers with crop diversification and/or agri-tourism and help with financial aid, education, training and marketing.

Project will assist Ashe County growers in developing and maintaining profitable farm operations by offering a viable market for their crops, and increasing pedestrian traffic. A Farmers Market shelter addition with restrooms and electricity will be constructed. The project?s goal is to provide amenities to the farmers market in order to attract additional customers and farmers to the site.

Project will design a surface water treatment plant and distribution system to preserve capacity of ground water sources in Lenoir and Pitt counties. Project will protect and create jobs in water-dependent enterprises and help maintain and improve sales in the agricultural sector.

Project will provide cost share assistance (up to 75%) to farmers, transitioning from tobacco production or diversifying to additional income producing agricultural enterprises, for installing BMP?s that prevent sediment, nutrients, or other pollutants from entering streams within the boundaries of their farms.

The TTFC would partner with other funders to recruit a pharmaceutical company to locate their North American packaging, quality control laboratory and distribution in Wilson County. The project will create an investment of $70 million and create 300 jobs over five years in an area with large amounts of displaced tobacco workers. The grant was made out-of-cycle in the public interest of creating jobs in a tobacco-growing and tobacco-processing county which has been experiencing significant layoffs of workers in tobacco related industries.

Project?s objective is to provide ?mini grants? as an incentive to diversify farm operations that could generate new economic growth in Western North Carolina. The grants will provide financial aid to farmers who are taking risks in new markets. This could be either through other crops or agriculture tourism efforts such as corn mazes and pick-your-own produce as examples. Project will include educating, training and informing 100 farmers and other individuals in their communities on the opportunities and possibilities of agricultural tourism, crop diversification and marketing of these new business ventures. The project will award a select number of tobacco farmers and/or quota holders a $2,500 grant to reduce the start-up cost of new opportunities in local, regional, and global markets. The grant is made in response to hurricane damage to farms and the end of price supports for tobacco.

This project will introduce more tobacco farmers to herb production. The grantee will research and develop marketing benefits as part of their overall goal of determining if N.C. farmers can produce the quality and quantity of medicinal herbs required by the industry at a price that is competitive in a global market. The grant is made in response to hurricane damage to farms and the end of price supports for tobacco.

During 2004-2007, this project will generate up to 15 cost-share (up to $10,000) initiatives in seven tobacco producing counties by (1) enabling individual tobacco growers and tobacco-dependent communities to test farm-based initiatives to supplement or replace tobacco income and (2) to help in developing the rural workforce by assisting growers in acquiring the skills to redirect scarce resources into viable agricultural businesses. This grant is made in response to hurricane damage to farms and the end of price supports for tobacco.

The purpose of this grant is to produce an information package and a farmland conservation plan to identify and educate tobacco quota owners about possible tax savings associated with ?working farm? conservation easements in light of the tobacco buyout which will help in conserving working farms statewide. Working tobacco farms have contributed to our state?s agricultural economy, water quality, and wildlife habitat and this project will assist with preventing the wholesale transition of working tobacco farms to suburban development. TRLC is facilitating this grant on behalf of the Land Trust Council of North Carolina. The grant was made out-of-cycle in the public interest of providing information on use of buyout money to preserve farmland and riparian buffers.

Project will connect retired farmers with new farmers by establishing a listserv and provide apprenticeship/mentoring programs for new farmers; as well as provide business and estate-planning services to retiring farmers and develop a list of professionals who can assist in farm transitions.

Project will provide seed money to aide western NC farmers with crop diversification and/or agri-tourism by creating a Mini-Grant Demonstration Program to help with financial aid, education, training and marketing. Project will conduct 25 workshops for 200 to 300 farmers and award 50 farmers each a $2500 grant

Project will supply 50 farms currently growing one to 20 acres of tobacco with the stock, supplies and expertise to each plant 200 inoculated truffle-bearing trees.

Project will increase the publishing efficiency of Tobacco Abstracts by upgrading the software and equipment and by moving from print to an electronic format.

Project will expand the current program to help existing participants improve production and marketing of organic crops while recruiting 15 to 19 additional growers.

Project will provide 25 farmers in western NC with non-formal training in business financial management, including planning, to give them skills to sustain their occupation and families.

Project will educate farmers to use a carbon dioxide meter to screen 1000 barns for combustible gas leaks and check retrofitted barns for cracked heat exchangers, providing a cost savings of $25,000 to farmers.

Project will conduct training and provide resources to assist farmers and workers about agricultural machinery highway safety issues to help reduce the more than 300 per year farm-related accidents

Project will assist with the construction of a permanent building to increase vendor spaces to 22 for area farmers to successfully market produce and products.

Project will assist with building a new farmer?s market, including parking, vendors spaces, electricity and restrooms, creating 12 to 24 jobs, generating $2500 to $3000 in additional vendor sales and providing a centralized location for farmers to bring their commodities to sale.

Project will assist in establishing a revolving loan program to bring biotech companies into the state and create jobs for those no longer employed in tobacco manufacturing jobs. This project will create a minimum of 20 jobs over five years and generate $20 million in capital investment.

Project will provide 10 to 20 tobacco farmers with incentives from $5,000 to $10,000 to grow medicinal herbs, generating gross sales equal to or higher than traditional tobacco revenues per acre.

Project will provide assistance in finding jobs for 440 displaced workers in Vance, Wilson and Transylvania counties and build momentum for action through a conference, with hopes to employ 75% of workers within six months.

Project will fund improvements in the business environment for ?new generation? Cooperatives which will lead to new opportunities for producer-owned, value-added businesses. ?New generation? cooperatives provide farmers the opportunity to raise the capital to own and operate innovative, value-added businesses while allowing them to retain control of processing and marketing.

Project will provide equipment and building renovation funds for the production of wine. Grapes will be purchased from 50 farmers, including tobacco farmers, with 200 jobs created in the vineyards.

Project will provide up to 40 individual (up to $10,000) and community (up to $30,000) cost-share initiatives in 14 tobacco-producing counties in order to test farm-based initiatives to supplement lost tobacco income.

Project will protect 4,000 acres of land valued at $12 million and 24 miles of streams by providing an alternative to tobacco farmers wanting to protect their farm from development by maintaining their land in an agricultural land base that purchases the development rights.

Project will sustain the services of communication information via TGANC?s newsletter, website and resource guide, as well as, develop a study with NCSU on the impacts of the pending tobacco buyout and distribute the results.

Project will design a surface water treatment plant and distribution system to preserve capacity of ground water sources in Lenoir, Greene and Pitt counties. Project will protect and create jobs in water-dependent enterprises and help maintain and improve sales in the agricultural sector.

Project will establish the Existing Business and Industry Service Program (to develop relationships with employers), the NorthEast Region Buyer-Supplier Network (to facilitate the purchase of local goods and services), and the NorthEast Tourism Web Portal (to develop an online welcome and information center promoting the Northeast Region).

Project will renovate and upfit 50,000 square feet of the Northeast Technology and Business Center to facilitate the growth and expansion of two companies currently operating in the NC TeleCenter. The project will help create 250 jobs and leverage $3 million in capital investment.

Project will provide cost-share assistance to farmers transitioning from tobacco production or diversifying to additional income-producing agricultural enterprises. Project will provide up to 75% of the farmers? cost to implement water-quality best management practices that prevent pollutants from entering streams within the boundaries of their farms.

Project will provide research and educational programs to support a competitive and profitable position for tobacco markets. It is estimated that the project will assist 12,000 tobacco growers and related agribusinesses.

Project will work with farmers to provide agricultural and economic strategies and transfer technologies such as on-farm diversification and entrepreneurship through hands-on consultation. The project will conduct community meetings to identify needs and participants, conduct technical and business education workshops, and provide individual guidance to farmers piloting the program. The project will target 200 families.

Project will develop and deliver a workshop series to organic tobacco growers on organic production and certification with a focus on crops that can be rotated with organic tobacco, and assist in the development of a grower-owned marketing cooperative. The project will target 20 tobacco growers who currently grow organic tobacco.

Project will assist tobacco growers and workers in growing and marketing alternative crops. Organization will provide training, financial counseling, and mental health counseling. Pilot project at the county level.

Project will construct a new, permanent farmer?s market. The farmer?s market will give the small farmer supplemental income and consumers an alternative to buying produce from the supermarket.

Project will provide instruction, evidence, and experience in crop production techniques by providing training in alternative and specialty crops. The project will provide training on using plastic mulch and irrigation systems as well as providing a subsidy to 64 growers each year over two years. It is anticipated that this type of cultivation will yield five times as much as bare ground crops.

Project will help support the location of Transforming Technologies, Inc. to Martin County. Company provides training for hazardous materials truckers and will provide training and alternate employment for displaced tobacco workers. In Martin County more than 22 percent of families are at poverty level. The project is expected to create 50 jobs initially and 200 jobs at build-out and provide a capital investment of over $10 million.

Project will generate up to 40 individual and community cost-share initiatives in nine target counties across NC. The objective is to test farm-based initiatives to replace or supplement tobacco income. The project will involve approximately 640 individuals.

Project will help provide timely information to tobacco farm families by assisting with postage costs of 10,000 bi-monthly Tobacco Grower Newsletters and the printing and distribution of the Tobacco Grower Resource Guide.

Project will provide direct assistance to 25 burley tobacco growers to help transition to organic food production systems and develop new local and regional market opportunities for these growers. Also, the project will direct financial assistance to the newly established Mountain Tailgate Market Association that serves 100 area farmers (including 30 tobacco farmers). Project will also provide support to Carolina Organic Growers, Inc. that provides marketing opportunities to transitioned organic farmers.

Project will minimize impact of farming on natural resources, particularly water resources, by installing computers in conservation districts, conduct outreach initiatives to targeted farmers, raise capacity of staff to provide high-tech services, and help farmers determine nutrient losses on their farms and plan for nutrient management. The project will be implemented in at least 75 counties.

Project will convert a tobacco warehouse to a farmer?s market and craft center. The project will provide stalls for up to 106 vendors. From a list of 950 potential suppliers, 35 have already reserved 55 booths, which would create 105 full-time jobs. Provides opportunity for area farmers to diversify their operation and sell their products.

To cut handling costs, tobacco manufacturers transitioned from the traditional burlap sheet wrapping to tobacco baled with cardboard slip-sheet and wire. Historically, the buyer, the warehouseman and the grower had shared the cost of the burlap sheet equally, with each paying $.30. The new system placed the entire cost on the grower at a time of rising production costs and sharp tobacco revenue decline. Growers? cost-cutting measures placed a further strain on the flagging economic stability of the community. The FCTCC will use money from a Qualified Agricultural Program grant to reimburse farmers up to a half-cent per pound of tobacco marketed in 2002 to help defray packaging supplies. Farmers apply for their reimbursement and requests are cross checked with warehouse and USDA-FSA data.

The two remaining burley auction warehouses left in North Carolina were considering closing before the 2002 season ? forcing NC burley producers to travel out-of-state to market their crop. In addition, no burley tobacco companies had contract receiving stations in North Carolina. Qualified Agricultural Program grant money was used to create a pilot marketing center for burley tobacco in Asheville, which helps our burley producers save travel costs and reduces the flow of money out of the western NC agricultural economy. Neither burley auction warehouses had to close and both now participate in the Center.

Following the same concept as the first barn-retrofit grant, this grant allowed NCDA&CS/NCSU Research Stations to retrofit their curing barns so that necessary, on-going research could be conducted under industry standards equivalent to those of most producers.

Help was needed to assist tobacco producers with the retrofit of their flue-cured bulk barns from direct-fired burners to heat exchangers after research revealed that traditional direct-fired curing methods were increasing nitrosamine levels in the tobacco. Tobacco-specific nitrosamines are potential carcinogens in cigarettes and tobacco companies wanted tobacco lower in nitrosamines. USDA?s Commodity Credit Corporation determined that, beginning in 2002, the price support loan differentials for flue-cured tobacco cured in barns with direct heat would be adjusted to a rate half that for tobacco cured in barns with an indirect heat source. Tobacco farmers faced a considerable cut in income. Additionally, the diminished tax value of the non-retrofitted barns would have eroded local tax bases. The Commission recognized that a Qualified Agricultural Program grant allowing the retrofitting of the barns would go a long way to stabilize tobacco-dependent economies and preserve local tax bases.