Special Projects
Through research and advocacy, the Agricultural Advancement Consortium has helped launch several projects that hold particular promise for enhancing the agricultural sector of North Carolina’s economy.
N.C. Agriculture Drought Recovery Program
The N.C. Agriculture Drought Recovery Program has been created to help North Carolina farmers reeling from the state’s ongoing drought. It will cover 75 percent of the cost of restoring drought-damaged pastureland and providing additional water supply for livestock and crops.
The program, which went into effect May 1, 2008 is being administered statewide through local Soil and Water Conservation district offices. It was made possible by a $6 million grant from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.
The Rural Center and the Agricultural Advancement Consortium worked with the General Assembly’s Joint Select Committee on Agricultural Drought Response, the Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, several state agencies and other agricultural interests to design the program.
To learn more
- Read the press release announcing the program: Cost-share program to help farmers recovering from drought
- Review the summary: Fact sheet
- Visit the Soil and Water Conservation District Office nearest you: Soil and Water Conservation District Offices
N.C. Equine Industry Study
The N.C. General Assembly funded a statewide study of North Carolina’s horse industry to assess its economic impact and identify opportunities for growth. The results, released May 11, 2009, documented an annual contribution to the state’s economy of nearly $2 billion. In addition, nearly 20,000 jobs are tied to the industry.
The study examined all equine breeds (horses, ponies, mules, donkeys and burros), the three large horsing sectors (showing, racing and recreation) and all associated activities. It had three major components:
- A survey of horse owners, farms, training facilities, veterinary practices, trailer and building suppliers, feed suppliers, and other horse-related operations and businesses, to create the clearest picture to date of the numbers and value of equine assets in North Carolina and the number of people involved in all types of equine activities.
- An analysis of the economic impact of the equine industry, in total and by industry segment.
- Plan of action for maximizing the industry’s contributions to North Carolina’s economy.
Eight leading recommendations emerged:
- Create an Equine Industry Commission.
- Conduct a feasibility and site selection study for a mega horse park.
- Invest in existing facilities.
- Consider the reinstitution of parimutuel wagering.
- Allocate more funding for equine health research.
- Bolster marketing efforts.
- Preserve land and open space.
- Revise tax laws and regulations to ensure that horse farms may be taxed as agricultural property.
The Agricultural Advancement Consortium administered the study with the help of university, government and private consultants. Oversight was provided by the Equine Study Executive Committee, whose seven members included ties to the horse industry, agriculture and rural development.
See study findings and recommendationsChallenges and Opportunities in Farming
Under the direction of the consortium’s chair, a committee representing the state’s major agricultural organizations and farm leaders developed an extensive evaluation of agriculture in the state. The study documented the current status of agriculture in each economic development region. This information will serve as a reference tool for state officials as they examine policy alternatives and their potential impacts.
