WNC AgOptions Grant

The WNC AgOptions grant program is a long-standing initiative supporting farm diversification and expansion in the mountain region of Western North Carolina. Funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, the program is administered in partnership with WNC Communities and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. The overarching mission of WNC AgOptions is to build sustainable farming communities by providing direct financial support to farmers managing land for crop or livestock production, with the goal of protecting mountain farmland and ensuring long-term farm viability. In the 2026 cycle, WNC AgOptions offers individual grants of $10,000 to eligible farm businesses located in 22 counties in the western region of North Carolina. These counties include 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. Applicants must be the financial and operational managers of the farm business and must not be affiliated as employees or board members with administering agencies or funders. Eligible projects include those that directly relate to the production, processing, and marketing of farm products or services, including agritourism, provided these activities enhance farm income and sustainability. Grant funds may be used for a range of production and marketing-related expenses, including seeds, livestock, plants, fencing, packaging, signage, equipment, tools, and facilities. However, funds cannot be applied to labor costs, debt repayment, land purchases, or disaster-related recovery expenses. Projects must take place within the 2026 calendar year, and awarded farms are expected to contribute at least 10% of the total project budget from other sources, resulting in a minimum budget of $11,000 for the standard $10,000 award. The grant is distributed in three payments tied to orientation attendance, business plan submission, and final reporting with documentation. The application process begins with an Intent to Apply, which must be discussed with a local Cooperative Extension agent and submitted online by September 26, 2025. Completed applications are due by November 14, 2025, and may be submitted via mail, hand delivery, or email (PDF format required). The application must include details on project plans, financials, supporting letters, prior grant history (if applicable), and a notarized certification form. Following review by a panel of agricultural professionals, finalists may be contacted for interviews between December 1–3, 2025. Award notifications are expected during the week of January 5, 2026, and recipients are required to attend a mandatory orientation on January 29, 2026. Applications are reviewed based on a numeric scoring system evaluating project feasibility, potential for demonstration and impact, applicant experience, marketing plan, and sustainability. Priority is given to applicants with tobacco-growing history, demonstrated farm income, and strong community engagement through Extension or agricultural associations. Throughout the grant period, recipients must participate in reporting, site visits, and public relations efforts. Contact for questions or submission confirmations is available via phone at (828) 252-4783 or email at agoptions@wnccommunities.org.

Consult your Cooperative Extension agent and review grant writing resources on WNC AgOptions website.