If your dairy operation is located in western NC, you may want to attend one of several upcoming informational sessions throughout the region to help you understand how to apply for the WNC AgOptions Grant this fall cycle. Eligible counties include the following: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Clay, Cherokee, Cleveland, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey.
WNC AgOptions 2027 Information Sessions
Funded by the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission since 2004, WNC AgOptions aims to support small family farm viability by funding farms that are expanding, diversifying, or improving efficiency.
Eligibility
The grant is available to farmers in the 21 western-most counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. There is no minimum farming time required, but farmers with a few years of production experience and a good understanding of their current and potential markets tend to perform better in the review process.
Other information
- Application period will open August 3. More information at https://wncagoptions.org/
- Potential applicants are required to partner with their NC Cooperative Extension agents.
- The 2027 grant cycle award amount is $10,000.
