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:

          • Peppers
          • Cucumbers
          • Squash
          • Lettuce
          • Grapes
          • Blackberries
          • Ornamentals
          • Mushrooms
          • Sod
          • Dairy 

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.