ToeCane Beekeepers' Meeting and Pot Luck

The North Carolina Department of Agricultural & Consumer Services has developed the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification Assistance Program. The program will give N.C. growers financial support in obtaining a third party audit to verify they are following effective food safety practices. This is a cost share program and is designed to assist fruit and vegetable growers with the cost of a third party audit. Funding for this program comes from a USDA grant to the NCDA & CS. Funds are available on a first come first serve basis until the funds are gone. NCDA & CS will pay up to $600 of the cost of a third party audit - the grower is responsible for any amount after that. A letter from NCDA &CS explaining the program is available here. Click on Application Form to print out the form.

Anyone interested in more information on third party audit or the cost share program, please call Adam McCurry with Yancey County Cooperative Extension (828-682-6186).

The Western North Carolina Agricultural Options Program recently awarded $5,000 to 23 area farmers and $2,500 to 14 farmers who are diversifying or expanding their operations.

The N.C. Cooperative Extension Centers in the 15 western counties and Cherokee Reservation operate the AgOptions program, now in its fourth year. The agricultural extension agents work closely with the recipients, strengthening the educational relationship between Cooperative Extension and area farmers.
See the News Release for a list of the award recipients and the projects they will undertake.

Save the dates for this great line up of 2008 renewable energy workshops at Appalachian State University. Domestic Solar Water Heating and Small Scale Wind Energy are just two of the workshops that will be offered. View Workshop Topics and Schedule. Find details and registration at www.wind.appstate.edu.

TEN QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ECONOMICS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA LAND TRANSFER TAX

In 2007 the North Carolina General Assembly gave all counties the authority to levy up to a 0.4% tax on the sale of real property (land, structures) within their boundaries. Prior to implementing the tax, counties must receive approval through a vote of citizens. This article attempts to answer common questions about the economics of such a land transfer tax in an informative and educational way without either supporting or opposing the tax. View the article.

Voles In Horticultural Plantings