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2027 WNC AgOptions Farm Grant: Applications Due November 9

Farms that submitted an Intent to Apply have until 11:59 p.m. on November 9, 2026 to turn in their completed application. Grants of $10,000 are available to family farms across Western North Carolina.

The WNC AgOptions grant program is accepting 2027 applications from farms that completed the Intent to Apply step.

This year, grants of $10,000 will be awarded to eligible farm businesses for projects that strengthen or expand their operations. The 2027 cycle is made possible by the continued support of the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

“Western North Carolina farmers have always shown extraordinary resilience, creativity, and determination,” said Jennifer Ferre, Executive Director of WNC Communities. “WNC AgOptions gives them practical resources to strengthen their businesses, adapt to changing conditions, and build a more sustainable future.”

Is your farm a good fit?

AgOptions supports family farms that are ready to grow, diversify, or become more efficient. Whether you are adding a new enterprise, upgrading equipment, or testing a bold new idea, the program is built to reduce your financial risk and give you practical support. You can find full eligibility details on our website. If you did not submit an Intent to Apply this year, we hope you will consider the 2028 cycle.

Key dates

  • November 9, 2026, 11:59 p.m.: completed applications due to WNC Communities. Email, hand delivery, and mail are all accepted. “Received” means in our inbox or office by that time, not postmarked.
  • December 1 to 3, 2026: AgOptions representatives may call finalists with follow-up questions.
  • Week of January 4, 2027: all applicants notified.
  • January 28, 2027: required orientation for grant recipients.

Next steps for applicants

    1. Download the current application from wncagoptions.org. Do not use a copy from a previous year.
    2. Stay in touch with your N.C. Cooperative Extension agent as you write. Reviewers give priority to applicants with a working relationship with their agent.
    3. Get Attachment A notarized before you submit. Applications without it are incomplete.
    4. Submit by email to agoptions@wnccommunities.org, by hand to 594 Brevard Rd., Asheville (after-hours drop slot by the mailbox), or by mail. Emailed applications must be PDF.

The Intent to Apply period closed October 9, 2026. If you did not submit one, contact agoptions@wnccommunities.org before preparing an application.

A track record of impact

Since 2004, WNC AgOptions has awarded more than 700 grants totaling nearly $4 million to farms across the region. These investments help farms become more efficient and profitable, strengthen the local food economy, and keep working farmland in production for the next generation.

Learn more

Eligibility requirements, the information session recording, application materials, and the applicant FAQ are available at wncagoptions.org.

Have questions? Contact Dana Brown at agoptions@wnccommunities.org or (828) 252-4783, or reach out to your local N.C. Cooperative Extension agriculture agent.