The purpose of this grant is to provide funding to help develop an agriculture program that expects to train current and future growers with best farming and farm-business practices, advanced technologies, and sustainable farming techniques. In addition to courses related to traditional horticulture and animal husbandry, extending crop growing seasons, improving yields, and reducing loss, the program would also teach greenhouse production and high tunnel applications. The college also has 1+3 and 2+2 agreements with both NCSU and NC A&T University that will allow students to purse a 4-year degree. Montgomery Community College has recently opened a new Career Technical Education center and will have the county’s sole high school, with its growing FFA program, located adjacent to the college. Golden LEAF funds will be used for a greenhouse and high-tunnel (including construction), equipment, and instructional supplies.
