Mountain Horticultural Crops
Research and Extension Center

king apple blossom, photo by Steve McArtney

Mission Statement

To help the people of western North Carolina improve their lives through research and education related to agriculture, the environment, the family, and community.

Our Vision

The Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center is broadly recognized throughout the world as a premier education and research facility. It is a dynamic center of professionals working to strengthen and improve agricultural industries, families, and communities.

Our Goals

Provide quality teaching, research, and extension programs as part of the Land Grant University.
Conduct high quality, unbiased research for the public good.
Develop and disseminate timely, research-based information.
Address current and emerging needs of a diverse clientele.
Develop and utilize the most effective educational techniques and programs available, including the latest technologies.
Work cooperatively with agencies, organizations, and groups on local, state, national, and international levels.
Maintain and improve the teaching, research, and extension facilities at the Center.
Cultivate a friendly, helpful, and cooperative working environment.

A Brief History

North Carolina State University has maintained a high level of visibility in western North Carolina for over a century. In 1905, a tract of land, located twelve miles west of Hendersonville, was purchased for horticultural research. Throughout the early 1900s, branch stations were located in western North Carolina, although records are lost for much of the period.

Around 1949, what is now known as the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station was started on leased land in the Mills River valley. A permanent station was established in 1959 to serve the developing horticulture industry in the mountain sections of North Carolina. A beginning faculty of an entomologist, a soil scientist, a plant pathologist, a horticulturist and a pomologist were assigned to the station.

In 1985 the North Carolina State Legislature appropriated money to establish the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center to be built adjacent to the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station. Construction on the 23,500 sq. ft. facility, comprised of 5 laboratories, office space and a 200 seat auditorium, was completed in 1987. The working staff includes NCSU faculty representing the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Natural Resouces, and the West and North-Central Districts of the NC Cooperative Extension, as well as a support staff of technicians, administrative assistants, and IT and building maintenance coordinators.

Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center
455 Research Drive
Mills River, NC 28759
Phone: 828-684-3562 ~ Fax: 828-684-8715

Maintained by: Bryan A. Konsler

Updated August 11, 2011