The horticultural industry in Western North Carolina is booming, driving both economic growth and workforce demand. To meet this need, the Golden LEAF Foundation has funded projects to help with both the training and infrastructure required to prepare the next generation of skilled professionals to strengthen the state’s number one industry, agriculture.
The North Carolina General Assembly appropriated $10 million to the Golden LEAF Foundation for the Food Distribution Assistance Program, a one-time initiative to strengthen the state’s food distribution network. Funded by federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds through the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the program was designed to expand the capacity of nonprofits working alongside food banks to address food insecurity.
What started as a vision to boost the economy in the rural town of Aurora has resulted in a new industrial park with jobs on the way.
On June 19, the Town of Aurora and Beaufort County Community College broke ground on the Aurora Industrial Park and the college’s only satellite campus, which will be located within the park.
Robust infrastructure is the backbone of thriving communities. Roads, water and sewer systems, and wastewater are essential to attract new businesses, support job growth, and improve the quality of life for residents. Aging or insufficient infrastructure creates major barriers to economic development.
At a time when North Carolina’s employers are facing critical workforce shortages, Rockingham County is rising to the challenge. Golden LEAF is backing a powerful, community-led solution that connects students to career pathways and strengthens the region’s economy by building strong local roots.
In February 2025, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded more than $1.2 million in total funding to Cleveland County Schools, Cleveland Community College, and Gardner-Webb University to establish a new Healthcare Educational Pathway to expand access to the field, build local talent, and strengthen the healthcare workforce in the region.
North Carolina’s number one industry is agriculture and agribusiness. Golden LEAF focuses on agriculture as an economic development engine. One of the outcomes Golden LEAF measures in its agriculture priority is value-added agricultural enterprises.
Davidson County has three new employers that will create a total of more than 650 jobs at Lexington Industrial Park, thanks in part to infrastructure funding from Golden LEAF.
In April 2017, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded $1 million in Community-Based Grants Initiative funding to Davidson County for the development of a new county-owned industrial park near Interstate 85. Golden LEAF funds were used for public wastewater infrastructure costs for the Lexington Industrial Park.
The University of Mount Olive is building a new livestock/forage training facility that will provide research and educational opportunities for college students and the greater agricultural community.
Surry and Yadkin counties are building a strong workforce through partnerships and work-based learning experiences through Surry-Yadkin Works.
On January 31, 2025, Surry-Yadkin Works held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for Surry-Yadkin Works FLEET program. The Fostering Learning through Education, Employment, and Trades (FLEET) program is the newest program offered through Surry-Yadkin Works.
