RALEIGH, N.C. -- A trust fund created with tobacco settlement money to help farmers and related businesses has awarded more than $6 million for projects to help rural and agricultural economies in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission approved the grants for a record 36 projects that focus on addressing ways to stimulate the agricultural economy and decrease unemployment.

The awards include job skills training at community colleges, funding for new farmers markets and a new campaign to assist nursery and landscaping companies.

In the last nine years, the organization has awarded over $45 million in grants to farm organizations, local and state government agencies and non-profits.

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