This award provides funding to Madison County to expand and upgrade the Madison Extension Value-Added Center and Inspected Kitchen located at the Madison County Extension Office. The Value-Added Center and Inspected Kitchen facilities primarily serve Madison County, but users — agricultural and value-added food-based businesses — also come from Yancey and Buncombe counties. The center has been in operation for nearly 20 years and consistently serves 150 users per month. The center educates and trains farmers to increase farm profitability and expand farm businesses and provides a space for agricultural entrepreneurs and businesses to create value-added agricultural products. The facility offers access to shared use equipment, climate-controlled storage, an inspected kitchen, and a loading dock for large shipments and bulk orders. Golden LEAF funds will be used for construction and equipment costs.
