Apply Now for a 2027 WNC AgOptions Farm Grant
Grants of $10,000 are available to family farms across Western North Carolina. Information sessions begin August 10, and applications are due November 9, 2026.
2027 AgOptions Grant Cycle News Release
The WNC AgOptions grant program is now accepting applications for the 2027 grant cycle. Since 2004, AgOptions has helped Western North Carolina family farms grow stronger through projects that increase efficiency, diversify income, improve profitability, and support long-term sustainability.
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.
Key dates
- Contact your county Cooperative Extension agent by October 9, 2026 to talk through your project. This step is required before you apply.
- Submit your Intent to Apply form by October 9, 2026 at https://go.ncsu.edu/wncagopt27
- Submit your completed application by 11:59 p.m. on November 9, 2026. Hardcopy and digital applications are both accepted.
How to apply
- Talk with your county N.C. Cooperative Extension agriculture agent about your project idea. Start early, since this conversation is required before you can apply.
- Submit the Intent to Apply form by October 9 at the link above.
- Complete and submit your full application by the November 9 deadline.
Come to an information session
We strongly encourage you to attend one of the free regional information sessions being held across the region in August and September. AgOptions staff will walk through the program and the application and answer your questions. The first two sessions are:
Monday, August 10, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center, 455 Research Drive, Mills River
Wednesday, August 12, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Avery Community Center at Heritage Park, 661 Vale Road, Newland
Additional sessions run through September. See the full schedule on our website.
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
Full session details, eligibility requirements, and application materials are available at wncagoptions.org
Have questions? Contact Jennifer Ferre at agoptions@wnccommunities.org or (828) 252-4783, or reach out to your local N.C. Cooperative Extension agriculture agent.
Click here for a list of available sessions, dates, and locations.