Exclusively funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission

2026 Recipient: TK Family Farm LLC

TK Family Farm LLC Orchard Harvest/Work Platform Grant Award: $10,000 TK Family Farm operates a 3.5-acre high-density orchard (expanding to 5 acres) within a 15-acre diversified farm in Polk County. With support from three prior AgOptions grants, the farm established its … View >>

2026 Recipient: The Henderstead

The Henderstead Mobile Sheep Handling System Grant Award: $10,000 The Henderstead is a first-generation, veteran-owned family farm in Rutherford County raising pasture-based sheep and hogs. After transitioning to full-time farming in 2023, the farm has quickly expanded to 39 acres … View >>

2026 Recipient: Ellis Cattle Company

Ellis Cattle Company Improving Genetics Grant Award: $10,000 Ellis Cattle Company began in 2004 with five cows and has grown into a 130-pair beef operation supported by more than 500 leased acres and a growing direct-to-consumer beef business. As the farm … View >>

2026 Recipient: Scotts Farm

Scotts Farm Multi-Use Facility Grant Award: $10,000 Scotts Farm has been rooted in Vilas for generations and now operates a 70-cow beef herd after transitioning away from dairy and tobacco. The family has outgrown their current patchwork of rented hay storage … View >>

2026 Recipient: Sunshine Cove Farm

Sunshine Cove Farm Wash and Pack Facility Grant Award: $10,000 Sunshine Cove Farm will build a dedicated wash-and-pack facility to replace the small makeshift area currently used inside a greenhouse. Microgreens must be harvested during narrow early-morning and evening windows, and … View >>

2026 Recipient: Edwards Farms

Edwards Farms Cornmeal/Grits Processing Facility Grant Award: $10,000 This project will build a dedicated 24′ x 20′ post-harvest facility to handle drying, storage, grinding, packaging, and distribution of the farm’s Jimmy Red corn products. The new structure will replace the current … View >>

2026 Recipient: River Raine Cattle

River Raine Cattle Cattle Working/Management Project Grant Award: $10,000 River Rain Cattle proposes to install a permanent working facility that includes a squeeze chute with headgate, palpation cage, livestock scale, concrete pad, improved ground cover, and a covered working area. Reconfigured … View >>

2026 Recipient: Shady Lane Farm

Shady Lane Farm Farm Improvement through Upgraded Equipment Grant Award: $10,000 David Duncan has operated his family’s apple orchard in Yancey County his entire life, supplying a loyal customer base that returns year after year. As the only commercial orchard in … View >>

2026 Recipient: Sun Seeker Farm

Sun Seeker Farm Strengthening Farm Viability and Profitability Through Season Extension Grant Award: $10,000 Sun Seeker Farm will use its AgOptions grant to install a gothic-style high tunnel with roll-up sides to extend the growing season, improve flower quality, and … View >>

2026 Recipient: Sweet Branch Farm & Forest

Sweet Branch Farm & Forest Wash and Pack Facility & Harvest Equipment Grant Award: $10,000 This project will add a dedicated wash-and-pack facility and a mechanized harvester to expand vegetable and flower production and improve postharvest efficiency. The 8′ x 20′ … View >>

2026 Topics

In January 2026 the WNC Agricultural Options program awarded 44 farm businesses a total of $440,000 in grants to assist in farm diversification and expansion. Each of the farm businesses received $10,000. The N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission is the … View >>