Realizing the Potential of the WNC Natural Products Industry

Organization:

WNC Regional Economic Development Commission (d/b/a Advantage West Economic Development Group)

Amount:

$234,777.33

Program Area:

AgBiotech Initiative

County of Applicant:

Buncombe

Year:

2010

Description:

This Golden LEAF grant will help AdvantageWest and its collaborators accelerate and expand development of the natural products industry across western North Carolina. The program will create a system of resources that enhance the ability to grow and harvest quality herbal crops, support the manufacture of natural products, ensure the products’ safety through testing, and create an interactive marketplace to support wholesale and retail sales of natural products. AdvantageWest, with Blue Ridge Food Ventures, BioNetwork BioBusiness Center and Natural Products Laboratory, NCSU Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center, and Western Carolina University will implement the project. The project is designed to lead to the location of natural products manufacturers in the region, the growth of small natural products businesses, and the increase in production and sale of natural products by local farmers.

Contact:

Mr. Scott Hamilton134 Wright Brothers WayFletcher, North Carolina 28732(828) 687-7234

Areas Served:

Region

Any project more than a couple of years old may not reflect current Board priorities.
Please contact a staff member with any questions.