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 goes into effect May 1, 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 has funded a statewide study of North Carolina’s horse industry to assess its economic impact and identify opportunities for growth. The study seeks to be all-inclusive, taking in all breeds, the three large horsing sectors (showing, racing and recreation) and all associated activities. It will include 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.
The Agricultural Advancement Commission is administering the study with the help of university, government and private consultants. Oversight is provided by the Equine Study Executive Committee, whose seven members include ties to the horse industry, agriculture and rural development. The final report will be completed by January 2009.
A series of regional meetings is being held to outline plans for the study to the equine community and to invite ongoing participation. For more information, download the brochure.
Burley Tobacco Marketing Center
The consortium, in partnership with the Tobacco Trust Fund Commission and the Rural Center, has successfully concluded a five-year seed program launching the Burley Tobacco Marketing Center in Asheville. The marketing center, an alternative to contract growing, is the only in-state auction house serving North Carolina burley growers. During the five-year startup period, which concluded in 2005, the partners provided funding to reduce grower costs associated with selling their crop through an auction house. Beginning with the 2006 year, the center is expected to be self-sustaining.
In each of its first three years, the center handled more than 5 million pounds of tobacco roughly 65 percent of the crop which brought prices equivalent to those earned in Virginia and Tennessee warehouses. Six major buyers participated, and farmers have saved approximately $1,500,000 on fees. The center's fourth season will close in mid-February 2005.
Soy Biodiesel Plant
The consortium gave early support to a proposal by the Grain Growers Cooperative to develop a soy biodiesel plant. Soy biodiesel is a fuel additive derived from soybeans that makes diesel engines run cleaner. Many believe it has the potential to become a major new industry for rural North Carolina.
As part of its support for the project, the consortium's director provided staff support to an oversight committee that reviewed the business plan. In 2003, the Golden LEAF Foundation made a $10 million investment commitment to the Grain Growers Cooperative to help finance the facility, named Atlantic Bioenergy LLC. Plans call for the plant to be built in Mount Olive.
Challenges and Opportunities in Farming
Under the direction of the consortium’s chair, a committee representing the state’s major agricultural organizations and farm leaders is developing an extensive evaluation of agriculture in the state. The study will document the current status of agriculture in each region and forecast trends over the next 10 years. This information will served as a valuable reference tool for state officials as they examine policy alternatives and their potential impacts.
