Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund

 

Vineyard Products

2012 Projects

Vineyard Irrigation, Franklin County
Mr. Foster grew up raising tobacco on the farm that he currently raises grapes on for sale to Duplin Winery.  His current operation needs expansion but lacks the irrigation capacity to accomplish his expansion plans. The pond and well he currently uses are not sufficient, and the cost of running electricity to his year-round stream is more expensive than the return he expects. His project will use grant funds to purchase a solar-powered pump and piping to transport the water from his stream, to holding tanks, and on to his vineyard’s drip irrigation tape.

 

 

2011 Projects:

Organic Vineyard

Rebecca and Randy operate a transitional mixed vegetable operation and have decided to establish an organic vineyard as part of their farm enterprise. While almost any farm product grown in North Carolina can be found organically, there is only one USDA certified organic vineyard in the state. If the Vance’s are successful, they will educate consumers and build the market for organically grown grapes. http://www.cvvineyard.com/

 

Muscadine Grape Products

Troy has raised Muscadine grapes for over a decade with his family members, selling to customers like Duplin Winery. He also has a pick your own business and would like to introduce value added products like grape juice and grape smoothies to the market. Grant funds will allow him to purchase the equipment necessary for creating these products.

 

2010 Projects:

Shaken Creek Winery
The Wooten’s will utilize blueberries and blackberries currently being discarded in the grading process, to produce a high quality wine which will allow full utilization of all berry crops from their farm and other growers.

2007

Vineyard Establishment
The project is the establishment of a half-acre wine grape plot as a pilot project and demonstration plot in a region of the state where the industry is not established.  The farmer is using the pilot plot to evaluate the potential for wine grapes in the area and has worked closely with extension to demonstrate the production techniques and profitability to others. (information: 919-621-0534)

2004

Allen’s Vineyards
Bladen County
Mr. Allen will establish a vineyard to meet expanding demand for muscadine grapes. His project will serve as a valuable demonstration to other farmers who will be producing muscadine grapes to fill the needs of local wineries. As part of the project, the Allens will be converting a tobacco stripper to grape harvesting. The project allows the Allens to diversify their farming operation and develop an enterprise to support another generation.

1998

Catfish and Grapes
Columbus County

This project is designed to combine two enterprises, a fish-your-own catfish operation and a pick-your-own grape vineyard (irrigated by the fish ponds.) This famer also inends to market the catfish and grapes by order and will dress and clean the fish at the farm.