Mission: "Randolph County Agricultural Center is a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative place for people and organizations to build Farm, Food, and Family systems that strengthens economies, enhances resiliency, and builds community."
Agriculture in Randolph County
| Total Cash Receipts (2017) Agricultural Products are $281 Million |
| 1,368 active farms covering 147,781 acres |
| $22,734,000 of certified organic commodities produced, (highest reported in NC) |
| Agri-tourism industry income by $490,000 from 2012-2017 |
| Top 10 county for the value of food sold directly to consumers |
| USDA NASS Ag Census 2017 |
Partner to Enhance Farm Education
- Partner with Agricultural Education Programs in the school systems to enhance what they are doing via “lab” space and additional educational opportunities
- Demonstration space for livestock handling, and growing gardens, crops, and orchards
- A facility to host livestock shows for youth and other 4-H activities
- Farm Incubator to help new farmers start growing and learning
Collaboration to Enhance Food System
- A Food Hub to help producers and consumers connect on a larger scale and to help insure food security in the county.
- Commercial/Shared Use Kitchen to help food entrepreneurs start or grow their food business
- Food Safety training for home processing
- Nutritional programming to improve wellness in Randolph County
Digital Skills Lab
In Randolph County, every household and business will have the opportunity to EARN, LEARN, and BE WELL by accessing needed digital resources.Farm Incubation, Training, and Events Complex
- Arena and Event Center
- Training and Events Facility: this is anticipated to include an open-air, clear span building sized at approximately 24,000 square feet and an enclosed building sized at approximately 12,500 square feet. The buildings will be equipped with fire protection systems (sprinklers and alarms) with toilet facilities, kitchen facilities, and multiple HVAC systems.
- Raw Materials Shed
- The shed will contain the raw materials needed for the arena “floor” and a storage place for the livestock panels needed for shows and events.
- Incubator Farm Livestock Barn
- The barn will be a pre-engineered building with livestock stalls, feed storage, and livestock handling equipment. The building will have electrical service and water.
- Incubator Farm Equipment Workshop/Shed
- The workshop will be used to secure farm equipment, tools, and supplies. The building will have electrical service and water including restroom facilities.
- Training and Incubator Farm Greenhouse
- The greenhouse will be available as training space for the horticulture and Master Gardener program as well as farm incubator clients. The 24’ X40’ structure will be on a concrete pad with automated ventilation and climate controls.
