Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center

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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

1. Provide quality teaching, research, and extension programs as part of the Land Grant University.
2. Conduct high quality, unbiased research for the public good.
3. Develop and disseminate timely, research-based information.
4. Address current and emerging needs of a diverse clientele.
5. Develop and utilize the most effective educational techniques and programs available, including the latest technologies.
6. Work cooperatively with agencies, organizations, and groups on local, state, national, and international levels.
7. Maintain a competent, diverse, world class staff by participating in professional development activities that ensure productivity, proficiency, and adaptability.
8. Maintain and improve the teaching, research, and extension facilities at the Center.
9. 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 three-fourths of a century. In 1905, a tract of land, located twelve miles west of Hendersonville, was purchased for horticultural research. Throughout the early 1900's, 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, which is comprised of 5 laboratories, a 200 seat auditorium and office space, was completed in 1987. Housed here are 15 faculty representing the NCSU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Natural Resouces, and the West and Southwest District of the NC Cooperative Extension, supported by 15 technicians, 4 secretaries and 2 custodians.

Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center
455 Research Drive
Mills River, NC 28759
Phone: 828.684.3562 ~ Fax: 828.684.8715
Updated August 4, 2005