Research; scholarly or scientific investigation or inquiry
Smithson Mills' specialty is in research. Present on this page are many examples of the specific research in which he has engaged. Whether it is measuring economic impact or feasibility studies, Smithson Mills has both the education & experience to produce highest quality research publications. In 2002, while working with the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Smithson Mills commissioned and assisted with a feasibility study for establishing a shared-use value adding agricultural processing/commercial kitchen facility in western North Carolina. This feasibility study gave rise to many studies featured here.
Developing Shared-Use Food & Agricultural Facilities in North Carolina
Assessed the development of food business incubation facilities throughout the state, including regional food processing centers, community kitchens, and value-added agricultural facilties.
Read more> North Carolina Shared Use Facilities (in PDF format, click here if you do not have Acrobat Reader)
Feasibility Study on Establishing a Small Scale Small Animal Processing Facility for Independent Producers in NC
Smithson Mills led a team of experts in assessing all aspects of project establishment, including production and market demand, site selection, and cost analysis for an inspected slaughter and processing facility for poultry and rabbit producers.
Read more> Feasiblity study for establishing a small scale small animal slaughter facility
The WNC Agricultural Tourism and Crop Diversification Demonstration Program
This was an economic impact study conducted in cooperation with HandMade in America. Mills measured economic impacts of micro-grants to 76 farmers in western North Carolina.