WNC Agricultural Options is now accepting grant applications from farmers diversifying or expanding their businesses.

WNC AgOptions intent to apply deadline is Oct. 13th; and Application deadline is Nov. 17th.

With funding from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, WNC AgOptions is distributing $228,000 to western North Carolina farmers in 2024. WNC AgOptions helps offset farmers' risk of trying new ventures and expanding their farms with $4,000 and $8,000 grants. 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.

Applicants must contact their Cooperative Extension agents by Oct. 13 to set up an appointment to discuss their projects. Applications are available at WNC AgOptions or at local Cooperative Extension centers.

Applicants are encouraged to participate in information sessions that will be held throughout the region in September.

SEPTEMBER 2023: Outreach to farmers
AgOptions information session which will be held at the Swain County center at 6pm on Tuesday, September 19

Here are some important dates to keep in mind:

October 13, 2023: 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 17, 2023: Applications due

Applications MUST be at WNC Communities office by this date. Emailed submissions are also accepted by NOON on this date.

If you have any question please contact Kendra Fortner at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Jackson County Center at 828-586-4009 or the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Swain County Center at 828-488-3848 or by email at kendra_norton@ncsu.edu