Nantahala News

Western North Carolina farmers who tried new ventures received grants from the WNC Agricultural Options to offset the risks.

“The WNC AgOptions program has proven success stories,” Bill Teague, chairman of N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, told The Highlander in early April. “We continue to be amazed at how these producers utilize these funds to ensure their family farms grow and remain profitable.”

The organization awarded $216,000 in grants to 40 farm businesses for diversification, with each receiving $3,000 or $6,000.

The Flower Company Farmer and Florist in Otto has been in operations since 1997. Daniel and Lori Cabe received a grant to increased production of specialty cut flowers. They’ve expanded their business to Highlands.

“We’ve been making daily trips to Highlands to deliver flowers to churches and other businesses,” Lori Cabe told The Highlander. “We want the Highlands Community to know we’re available to serve their specialty-cut flower needs.”

The Cabes plan to purchase dahlia bulbs, soil amendments, seeds and plugs to expand crops to triple dahlia production and double that of other specialty cut flowers.

“Agriculture is a thriving and ever-changing economic engine in western North Carolina with new enterprises and creative ideas emerging daily,” Ross Young, WNC AgOptions steering committee leader, told The Highlander. “WNC AgOptions plays a crucial role in helping many of these farmers fulfill a dream that may not be attainable otherwise.”

WNC Communities serves as administrator for WNC AgOptions. The non-profit organization has served agriculture since 1947.

Members of the WNC AgOptions steering committee include representatives from the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services –Marketing Division, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, WNC Communities and other agribusiness leaders.