NC MarketReady

Value-Added Cost Share

Farmers markets are increasing in number throughout North Carolina, currently surpassing 130 unique markets. Consumers enjoy the opportunity to buy fresh, locally grown products directly from the farmers. Farmers markets support the local economy and encourage healthier meals that feature fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition to produce, many markets offer a wide variety of agricultural products including meat, honey, cut flowers, soaps, nursery plants, eggs, artisan cheese, baked goods and more.

Meet our Award Recipients

The N.C. Value-Added Cost Share (NCVACS) program provides financial support, through matching funds, to producers who are applying for the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG), a nationally competitive program. NCVACS is administered by N.C. MarketReady, a program of N.C. Cooperative Extension, and funded by the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. Read more about the cost share recipients, their enterprises and their plans for future growth.

First Cost Share Cycle: Grant Writing/Feasibility Studies

Nine value-added producers in North Carolina received a financial boost as recipients of the first cycle of the NCVACS program, announced in December 2009. This cycle was designed to focus on supplementing the cost of professional grant writers and feasibility studies. Cost share awards ranged from $3,500 to $23,500.

• Jack and Grace Bishop: Owners of Vineyards on the Scuppernong, the Bishops produce grapes for table wine and operate a retail shop near the vineyard in Columbia, N.C.

• Wilson and Debbie Daughtry: One of four vegetable producers planning to partner in the processing and marketing of ready-to-cook, bagged snapbeans to wholesale and retail markets along the East Coast.

• Jon Dorman and Della Williams: Dairy goat farmers located in Pelham, N.C., and producers of a variety of artisan cheeses they direct market as Sleepy Goat Cheese in north central North Carolina and south central Virginia.

• Ossie and Mary Betty Kearney, Andrew Kearney: Owners of Nooherooka Natural in Snow Hill, N.C., the Kearneys direct market all-natural, Black Angus beef products to wholesale and retail outlets in eastern and central North Carolina.

• Henry and Tracy Moore: Bobcat Farms, in Clinton, N.C., is a diversified beef and swine operation that direct markets beef to retail consumers in central North Carolina.
• Richard Parker: This organic dairyman (cows) plans to partner with a goat dairyman to produce a line of artisan and specialty cheeses.
• Mary Roberts: A certified organic producer who grafts heirloom tomato scion to disease-resistant rootstock, Roberts sells heirloom tomato transplants from Windcrest Farm in Monroe, N.C.

• Smoky Mountain Native Plants Association: Located in western North Carolina, this producer group grows and harvests ramp, wild mountain leeks that grow at high elevations in the Appalachian Mountains. The ramp is processed for seasoning packets and rampmeal.

• Lee Swinson: This peanut farmer also owns Golden Grove Candy Company in Warsaw, N.C., which produces the Carolina Crisp Peanut Bar and other peanut candies.

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