WNC Agricultural Options is now accepting grant applications from farmers diversifying or expanding their businesses. With funding from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, WNC AgOptions is distributing a total of $220,000 to western North Carolina farmers in 2023. The application deadline is Nov. 18.
WNC AgOptions helps offset farmers' risk of trying new ventures and expanding their farms with $4,000 and $8,000 grants. Applicants must contact their Cooperative Extension agents by Oct. 14 to set up an appointment to discuss their projects. Applications are available at the WNC AgOptions website or at local N.C. Cooperative Extension centers. Extension agents remain a resource for farmers throughout the year as they complete their projects.
Applicants are encouraged to participate in information sessions: September 19th in Waynesville, September 22nd in Boone and Murphy, October 6th in Newland, October 10th in Shelby and October 11th in Bryson City. Check the WNC AgOptions website for more information on specific times and locations.
WNC AgOptions offers grants to farmers in the following counties/units: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.Important Deadlines:
October 14, 2022: Intent to apply deadline - Interested applicants must contact their County Ag Agent by this date to set up an appointment to discuss their project.
November 18, 2022: Applications due - Applications MUST be at WNC Communities office by this date. Emailed submissions are also accepted by NOON on this date.
