Value Added Agriculture, An Emerging Area for Economic Development Pilot Mountain Pride Project

1. Value Added Agriculture,An Emerging Area for Economic DevelopmentPilot Mountain Pride Project T. Bryan Cave County Extension Director Surry County Center, NCCE

2. Facts • Agriculture represents 25% of Surry County’s economy and 20% of the employment base, but this is not broadly recognized; • The average age of a farmer in Surry is 60 • The average value of infrastructure on a farm in Surry is over $650,000

3. Facts • Farmers are searching for new markets for diversification or new crop opportunities; • Young people interested in agriculture don’t have access to the necessary capital, but do have the ability to start small or hone new skills on the family farm

4. Facts • The average item on a grocery store shelf has travelled 1500 miles before you purchase it; • We spend 9% of our annual income in the U.S. on food; • Our region is ideal for growing a variety of produce and the greater Winston-Salem area is ripe for local food initiatives

5. The Perfect Storm • Discussions about the concept began in 2003 between NCCE and County Government; • Local farmers looking for ways to diversify; produce an option; • No local food movement in the greater Winston-Salem area; • Concept reemerges during the 2006 NC STEP planning process; • Pilot Center project being considered by the Town in 2008; • Golden LEAF CAI begins in 2008; • County hires Agribusiness expert to conduct study in 2008; • Study confirms desire for local food within the region; • Concept awarded funds by Golden LEAF for building up-fit; • Other grant agencies interested in funding local foods initiatives; • Concept becomes a reality

6. How Will It Work? • PMP develops markets for locally grown produce; • Participating farmers receive GAP training; • Farmers harvest produce and transport it to PMP; • PMP only handles acceptable quality produce; • At this point, the farmer has fulfilled their obligations;

7. How Will It Work? • PMP washes and packages the produce; • PMP delivers produce to end users; • PMP retains 20% of wholesale price for operations; • Farmer receives a check within days from PMP; • PMP works with end user on payment policy

8. Impacts • Year 1 gross sales approaching $325,000 • Year 1 receipts to growers approaching $250,000 of NEW income • Young farmer growth and development • Local purchasing and business support • Community cohesion • “Indigenous Entrepreneurship” • 1 full-time and 3 part-time positions • WFU/NC DOC Economic Impact Assessment • Extension recognition

9. Funding • Surry County (Marketing Study) $21,000 • Surry County $50,000+ (in-kind) • Surry County Farm Bureau Board $23,500+ • NC Department of Agriculture $28,000 • Golden Leaf $190,000 (two separate grants) • NC Tobacco Trust Fund $75,000 • NC Rural Center $75,000 • USDA $75,000 • Surry Telephone $500, plus in-kind of $2,000+ • WFU School of Law $48,000 (in-kind) • NC Tobacco Trust Fund/SCC $40,000 (two grants)

10. Pilot Mountain Pride • PMP is a LLC with a single member, the Surry County Economic Development Foundation, Inc.; • It is not designed to be county funded • It is not a cooperative • The Foundation is a non-profit so PMP is considered a non-profit

11. Partners

16. Thank You! www.pilotmountainpride.com

17. Website: www.pilotmountainpride.com Blog: www.pilotmountainpride.blogspot.com Facebook: search “Pilot Mountain Pride” Email: sales@pilotmountainpride.com Phone: (336) 444-8000 Fax: (336) 444-8001 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1041, Pilot Mountain, NC, 27041 Stay in Touch