Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund

 

Flowers, Herbs & Nursery Stock

2011 Projects:

 

Nature Flower Farm -- A Sustainable Future

Wong and his family grow a wide variety of flowers, as well as Asian vegetable varieties and rice. They also make pickled bamboo and process cucumber juice on a small scale. Grant funds will make the whole farm operation more profitable and more efficient by constructing a new well based irrigation system and up-fitting a greenhouse.
 http://natureflowerfarm.com/Home.php

 

Asian Vegetables and Flowers

Chong and his family have a successful cut flower business, and also grow Asian Broccoli, Thai Basil, and unique varieties of green beens, eggplant, pumpkins and more. Assistance from grant funds will allow them to expand their flower operation, the most profitable part of their farm. Look for their gorgeous bouquets and unique products at the Charlotte Regional Market.

 

The Lavender Garden

Rita has been growing lavender and creating bath and body products for the past seven years.  In addition to sales at the farmers market, her products have been featured in venues such as a Ralph Lauren store and the Washington Duke Inn. With grant funds, Rita will establish cultivars that are better suited to cold winters and will develop a website.

 

Winter Grafting with Low Heat

John owns a nursery where he does much of his own grafting.  Recently, he integrated swimming pool noodles as insulation into his system which not only saves on propane costs, but his grafting success rate has jumped from 25% to 80% using this technique. Grant funds will allow him to implement this system full scale in a greenhouse that better suits his needs.  http://japanesemaple.net/

 

Improving Efficiency of Nursery

Ralph is a transitioning tobacco farmer who will be improving his nursery business by installing electric pump irrigation system in his greenhouse to replace a gas powered pump to cut costs and improve irrigation efficiency. This grant will be used to purchase supplies and materials such as the electric pump and the equipment needed to install this set up in Ralph’s greenhouse.

 

Passive Solar Herb Dryer and Herb Barn

Beans ‘N Berries Farm is a produce farm that has been gradually converting more garden space into medicinal herb production. Wit grant funds, Memorie will install a passive solar herb dryer in order to accommodate her expanding herb business. She will sell tinctures and teas to Community Herbals in Asheville, and will also offer classes and herb walks on their farm. http://www.localharvest.org/beans-n-berries-M6408

 

2010 Projects:

Year Round Production Flower Farm
Jefferson is a Hmong flower farmer in Catawba County who will build a greenhouse to grow flowers. His project will allow him to turn his seasonal farm business into a year-round operation.  (Information: 919-323-7587)

Cuts for the Market
Hollis will produce and sell several annual and perennial flowers, including a native holly in the winter months when her vegetables are out of production.  Hollis was quite successful last year in this endeavor, and this year expects the project to generate cash flow for her farm in the off-season.  (Information: 919-323-7587)

On Batch at a Time (Herbs)
Deborah will erect a processing and packaging room that doubles as a classroom for her herb farm. This will increase her capacity to sell her herbs, and bring in a new customer base.  (Information: 919-323-7587)

Marsh Grass & Storm Water Plant Production
Garner grows wetland plants in rented tobacco greenhouses with submerged trays in the float beds.  Renting offers immediate greenhouse space without purchasing expensive land and provides income for former tobacco growers.  Urban development and wetland restoration projects require the use of these plants in tidal areas and stormwater runoff ponds.  (Information: 919-545-4847)

 

Past Projects:

2007

Nursery Improvement and Expansion
This project provided infrastructure that enabled Carver to add berry production to his nursery operation.  The operation already produced strawberries and he added blueberries and blackberries as a complement to the strawberry production. (information: 919-621-0534)

Maples in Bags
This project enabled the further development of Autry’s  high-value Japanese maple operation by helping him to invest in an innovative growing system that combines the advantages of pot grown and field grown systems.  This enterprise is crucial to help supplement income from Autry’s row crop operation, and provides a future direction for the farm in a region where competitions for land is increasing due to development. (information: 919-621-0534)

2004

Espalier Apple Tree Production for Nursery Market
Alleghany County
This project is designed to help generate income for a new generation to sustain a livelihood on the family farm. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves, their daughter, and a grandson will be producing espaliered apple trees. The Reeves are in close proximity to established apple tree growers and plan to take advantage of their expertise. Espaliered apple trees are a high-value landscaping plant that the Reeves believe will fill an important niche in the local nursery market.

2003

Fishing Creek Flower Farm Expansion Project
Edgecombe County
O’Brien is expanding the market of his cut-flower business by extending the season and expanding home delivery service. The project is a demonstration of direct marketing that could be useful to other producers and makes good use of idle tobacco greenhouses. He believes that there is potential for other farmers to mimic his marketing strategies with other crops.

Sustainable Production of Alternative Crops
Alleghany County
This project is the conversion of a tobacco greenhouse for the production of edible landscaping plants, annuals, herbs, and native perennials. The alternative crop production will take place after the tobacco transplants are out of the greenhouse. There is a wide open market, and Alleghany County farmers could benefit from a demonstration project.

Flint Hill Farm
Alleghany County
This project will supplement tobacco income through production of floral products and riparian species for stream bank restoration and wetland mitigation. Environmental regulations have created a real need for woody shrubs and hardwood tree production. The project will work closely with cooperative extension to help others in the area become involved.

1998

Sod Marketing
Johnston County

This Johnston County farmer will diversify into sod production. The demand in Johnston County is strong and growing in conjunction with expanding residential growth. The sod will be marketed directly to local real estate developers.