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Grants for family farms in 2024 WNC AgOptions intent to apply deadline Oct. 13; Application deadline Nov. 17. ASHEVILLE, N.C. — WNC Agricultural Options is now accepting grant applications from farmers diversifying or expanding their businesses. With funding from the … View >>
DOWNLOAD APPLICATION: WORD PDF CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF UPCOMING GRANT INFORMATION SESSIONS CLICK HERE FOR GRANT WRITING TIPS 2024 WNC AgOptions Grant Guidelines: Thank you for your interest in the WNC Agricultural Options Program. WNC … View >>
The 2024 WNC AgOptions cycle has officially launched! If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of our regional information sessions, please contact your LOCAL COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT by OCTOBER 13th to find out more about how to apply. … View >>
With help from a grant, a family-owned and operated farm plans to increase its production of rice and other foods here in the fields of McDowell County. Lee’s One Fortune Farm, which has been featured in the national news media, … View >>
2023 grant awards will support projects that improve efficiencies on the farm to increase income, allow for growth and provide additional benefits in the communities where the grantees farm. Over half of the awarded projects will be investing in equipment … View >>
WNC AgOptions grantees use funding to boost profits and support communities ASHEVILLE, N.C.— This year’s grant awards will support projects that improve efficiencies on the farm to increase income, allow for growth and provide additional benefits in the communities where … View >>
Michael Adams, Kestrel Herb Farm Batch Dryer Grant Award: $8,000 Michael is building a forced air “batch” dryer for herbs. Currently, he uses a shipping container with wire shelving powered by a heater and dehumidifier. The new building and herb … View >>
Billy Bryant, Bryant Farms Packing Shed Grant Award: $8,000 In order to increase efficiency and meet GAP certification requirements, Billy will be adding a packing facility to his current vegetable production operation. GAP certification will allow Bryant Farms to maintain … View >>
Lisa and Dennis Braswell, Braswell Mountain Farms Hay Storage Facility Grant Award: $8,000 Braswell Mountain Farms will add a hay storage facility to their current beef cattle operation to decrease loss and the quality of hay that occurs with weathering. … View >>
Alvin Blake Brown, Brown’s Farm Ridge Improving Performance of Grazing System Grant Award: $8,000 Brown’s Farm Ridge (BFR) will invest in a no-till drill to reduce production costs by extending their grazing season to late December and to improve nutrition, … View >>
Nicole Coston, Bearwallow Valley Farms Wholesale and Process Improvement Plan Grant Award: $8,000 After four years of production, Nicole has identified needs for new multi-use equipment that will improve efficiency and production, as well as harvest and post-harvest handling processes. … View >>
Morgan Decker, Root Bottom Farm Gothic High Tunnel Grant Award: $8,000 Morgan has replaced three deteriorating wood and PVC hoop houses with a 24′ x 92′ metal-framed gothic-style high tunnel. He has equipped the tunnel with louver vents, end framing, … View >>
Chue and Tou Lee, Lee’s One Fortune Farm Rice Huller Grant Award: $8,000 The Lee’s used their 2020 AgOptions grant to purchase a small-scale combine harvester, which allowed them to add an additional 6 acres to their family farm, the … View >>
Ruth McCloud, McCloud Farms Bulk Grain Bin Grant Award: $4,000 To increase efficiency in her cattle feeding operation, Ruth has installed a bulk grain bin and feed bunks on a new concrete pad. The grain bin will provide multiple benefits … View >>
Matthew Nichols, Nichols Beef Farm Working Facilities and Bulk Feed Trailer Grant Award: $8,000 To provide a safer and more efficient system for maintaining his herd of beef cattle, Matthew will purchase a squeeze chute, scales, and a bulk feed … View >>
Susan Owen, The Lily Patch Farm Sorting, Storage, and Cooling Shed for Pawpaw Grant Award: $8,000 With a 2017 AgOptions grant, Susan started a Pawpaw orchard with 30 trees (expanded to 60 trees in 2019), which are now bearing fruit … View >>