If you are in the Agribusiness industry you know that the business climate in a region is just as important as the physical climate. As you look for great places on the eastern seaboard to open or relocate your agribusiness, you will find none better than Henderson County, North Carolina! In fact, Agribusiness is so important to Henderson County that we have a dedicated Economic Development Division and staff focused solely on our existing and new companies in this industry. We Get Ag and we are ready for business!
Agriculture & Business Friendly
Agribusiness is NC’s #1 industry
Over 20% of County economy is ag-related
“Right to Farm” state
Hands-On assistance from economic developers and local government (ongoing)
Zoning exemptions for Agriculture, making development easier and less expense
Business Friendly
NC Corporate Tax Rate is Lowest in US
County Ad Valorum Tax Rate – Lower 75th percentile in NC
Present Use Value – Tax deferment for qualifying ag property
Incentives – Local and State
Voluntary Ag Districts - protected from nuisance suits by neighbors
Soil & Water Conservation District
Cost Share Programs for Good Management Practice projects
Infrastructure
Ready access to water, sewer, natural gas, ultra-high speed internet
Long-time established agricultural production and packing operations
Ag Supply & Farm Equipment Dealers 14
Multiple Service Providers (Construction Companies, Greenhouse Mfg., Banks, Professional Services, etc.)
Grower Associations
Existing Farms and Major Commodities
Farms - 455
Land in Farms - 41,099 acres
Greenhouse - 10 ranges (Plants and Produce) (#2 in NC)
Apples (#1 in NC, #7 in U.S.)
Tomatoes (#1 in NC)
Sweet Corn (#1 in NC)
Others:
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- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Lettuce
- Grapes
- Blackberries
- Ornamentals
- Mushrooms
- Sod
- Dairy
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Education & Research (14 four-year universities within a 70 mile radius)
Universities/Community Colleges with Ag-related Programs
Blue Ridge Community College (in County)
Wingate University (in County)
NC State University
NC A&T University
Appalachian State University
Clemson University
University of Georgia
University of Tennessee
Research & Development
Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station (in County)
NCSU Cooperative Extension Service (in County)
Blue Ridge Food Ventures
North Carolina Food Innovation Lab (NCFIL)
Quality of Life
Small Town atmosphere in close proximity to large metropolitan areas
Low Crime Rate
Restaurants and Shopping
Medical Facilities
Recreation (Nat’l & State Forests, Hunting, Fishing, Hiking, Biking, Kayaking, Shopping
Sports and Fitness Centers, including leagues
Arts, Music, NC State Theater, Museums, Festivals, Concerts, Cultural Events, Wineries)
Are you Ready to Talk Agribusiness?
To learn more about locating your agri-business here or working with our local producers, packagers, or distributors, contact Mark Williams here. Learn more about AgHC.