Grants to Boost Western North Carolina Agriculture

Western North Carolina Agricultural Options is introducing a new community grants' program that will support projects that are improving the local agricultural system.  WNC AgOptions will fund at least 3 farmer-led group projects that address processing, marketing, packaging, and other distribution needs in the mountain region.


The new Family Farm Innovation Fund, which Governor Beverly Perdue announced, will provide $100,000 to WNC AgOptions, in addition to the $225,000 that the program distributes annually.  Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA's Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund, with the NC Cooperative Extension partners to manage WNC AgOptions, was included in the $18.4 million package to five states and federal programs assisting farmers.


The size of the community grant is dependent upon the expenses associated with the project.  The maximum to be awarded per applicant group is $20,000.


In addition, WNC AgOptions is continuing its grant program for individual farm businesses and will award approximately 40 grants ranging from $3,000 to $9,000 for farm diversification projects.  Since 2004, WNC AgOptions has administered more than 250 grants in 17 counties and the Cherokee Indian Reservation to mountain farmers diversifying or expanding their operations.  McDowell County farmers have benefited from WNC AgOptions in diversifying and developing new market strategies.  

The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission has supported WNC AgOptions since 2003. "We're proud to be the funding partner for the WNC AgOptions program," said William Upchurch, Executive Director of the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.  "Over the past few years, the farmers in western North Carolina have developed very innovative projects and have shown that their ideas can generate some great results."


Applications are available at www.wncagoptions.org or at the McDowell County Center, County Administration Building, 60 East Court Street, Marion.  The deadline is November 22, and the grant cycle runs from January to November.  If you are interested in applying, contact Molly Sandfoss at 652-8104 by November 1 to express your intent to apply.


Priority will be given to projects that provide demonstration to other farmers and encourage the economic sustainability of cooperating farm businesses.  Applicants should extensively research the logistics, markets, expenses, and timelines for their projects.


Successful community grant projects will require participation from a diversity of people, organizations, and institutions.  Groups of farmers, farmer coops, farm associations, churches, local businesses, civic organizations, non-profit organizations are eligible and encouraged to apply.  WNC farmers must be active in the leadership of the group.


The ultimate goal of WNC AgOptions is to protect mountain farmland by assisting the longevity of farm enterprises.  For more information, see:  http://www.wncagoptions.org