Financial assistance available for tobacco farmers | Business

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Changes in the tobacco industry, including decreased production, may qualify some people to receive financial assistance for short-term training through Southeastern Community College.

The assistance is made possible by a $25,000 Project Skill-UP grant that SCC reportedly received through the N.C. Community College System from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

Financial assistance is available for a series of training classes for agri-business diversification, tuition, books and required supplies as well as staff assistance with job searching, job placement and follow-up activities, according to a news release from the school.

Priority will be given for those adversely affected by the decline of the tobacco industry, including farmers, their family members and former quota holders.

Applicants must be 18 or older and a resident of a tobacco-dependent county.

Last year, a total of 301 people reportedly received assistance through the program.

For more information, call 910-642-7141 ext. 261.

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