NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program

The NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program is administered by NC State Extension and funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. It is one of three cost-share grant initiatives aimed at supporting North Carolina family farms, alongside the WNC AgOptions and UMO AgPrime programs. Each of these programs serves different counties, and NC AgVentures specifically supports agricultural development in a broad set of counties across the central and eastern regions of North Carolina. The grant program is designed to foster innovation, profitability, and sustainability in North Carolina agriculture by funding new ventures, expansions, and infrastructure improvements on existing family farms. It also supports local nonprofit and government organizations through community grants that benefit multiple farms. The initiative encourages applicants to explore new crops, diversify income streams, or increase operational efficiency through targeted projects like equipment purchases or infrastructure development. Applicants must be North Carolina residents operating independent farms. Previous recipients of three or more NC AgVentures grants are ineligible, as are NC State Extension employees and their immediate family members. Only one application per farm is permitted annually, even in the case of multiple farm operations or shared ownership structures. Projects are expected to align with Extension best practices and demonstrate strong potential for success, income growth, or employment retention. There are two grant types available: Farmer Grants for individual family farms and Community Grants for nonprofit or government organizations that serve a broader farming audience. Grant awards are up to $10,000 and require a 15% cash match. Funds cannot be used to purchase land or animals. Grant recipients must have appropriate insurance and submit detailed reports including receipts and photos to document use of the funds. Applications open on October 15, 2025, and close at 6:00 p.m. on December 19, 2025. All applications must be submitted through the online portal. The application process includes four sections: contact information, farm and producer details, project description, and budget viability. Applicants are required to collaborate with an NC State Extension Agent to prepare and refine their proposals. Projects are reviewed and scored by a panel of Extension Agents, farmers, and subject matter experts. Awards will be announced by the end of February 2026, and grant projects must be completed within 12 months. Priority is given to applicants with ties to the tobacco industry, those who earn a majority of their income from farming, and farms that have not previously received NC AgVentures funding. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of three online informational workshops scheduled in October and November 2025 to better understand the grant process and program expectations.

Collaborate early with an NC State Extension Agent to enhance the quality of your proposal. Include specific budget details and show how the project increases profitability or community benefit.