May 24, 2013
A new alternative crop could replace tobacco here in Eastern Carolina. Researchers from the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Agency are conducting a study at a greenhouse at the North Carolina State University Raymond P. Cunningham Center on the growth of lilies. These plants which normally take up to six months to grow outside could be grown in as little as four months inside. One farmer we talked to says switching crops to grow is a big risk. Lilies grown over the winter months could be on the market for holidays, like Valentine's day or others early in the year.
