2022 Grant Cycle Closed
The 2022 WNC AgOptions grant cycle is closed. Please check back in February for the list of the 2022 grantees! The 2023 cycle will launch in the late summer. Please email us HERE to be notified!
2020 Grant Recipients Reflect Strength of WNC Farmers
March 2, 2020
by
Jennifer
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 2, 2020 Contact: Jennifer Ferre, (828) 252-4783, admin@wncagoptions.org; Or the local N.C. Cooperative Extension Agriculture Agent Grant recipients reflect strength of WNC farmers WNC AgOptions grantees receive $216,000 in farm grants to expand … View >>
2019 Dinner
November 9, 2019
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Jennifer
The Year-End Dinner was held on November 8th, 2019 at the Addison Farms Vineyard, a 2019 WNC AgOptions grantee.. Over 50 people were in attendance, including representation from 18 of the 39 projects, members of Cooperative Extension, WNC Communities and … View >>
2018 Grantee Mikell’s Farm Honey products at Biltmore Estate
June 5, 2018
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Jennifer
Honey products from 2018 AgOptions grant recipient, Bee Naturally, can now be found at the gift shops for the Biltmore Estate and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Read the full article online at the McDowell News, Click Here
Planned meadery for Marion gets $6,000 grant
February 10, 2017
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Jennifer
The WNC Agricultural Options recently awarded grants to 35 farm-related businesses. One of these grants is $6,000 for a planned meadery in downtown Marion. (Read more.) The McDowell News Feb. 7, 2017
WNC AgOptions Awards $201,000 in Small Farm Grants, Three Recipients Operate in High Country
February 9, 2017
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Jennifer
Awarded projects often have high potential for demonstration to other diversifying growers in the region. Susan Owen of The Lily Patch Farm in Watauga County, who is expanding her pawpaw orchard, said that the native fruit has potential in all … View >>
Trosly Farm among farm grant recipients
February 8, 2017
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Jennifer
Amos and Kaci Nidiffer, owners of Trosly Farms in Elk Park, was one of the WNC AgOptions Grant Award: $6,000 grants, with the intention of using the funding for high tunnel season extension on his property. (See more). Avery Journal … View >>
2015 Grantee Mikell’s Farm Wins International Black Jar Honey Tasting Contest
February 7, 2017
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Jennifer
For the second time, 2015 Grant Recipient Mikell’s Farm Honey has won the Annual International Black Jar Honey Contest for best SOURWOOD honey. Sourwood is the prized and well-known honey of the southern Appalachian mountains. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
WNC farms receive $201,000 from WNC AgOptions grants to support agricultural diversity
February 6, 2017
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Jennifer
Recipients of 2017 farm grants reflect the growing strength of the diversified agricultural system in western North Carolina. WNC Agricultural Options awarded 35 farm businesses a total of $201,000 in $3,000 and $6,000 grants on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at … View >>
Two Years of Funding Promised for Farm Grants
October 5, 2016
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Jennifer
WNC Agricultural Options is now accepting grant applications from farmers diversifying or expanding their businesses. The program helps offset farmers’ risk of starting ventures or growing new operations with Grant Award: $3,000 and Grant Award: $6,000 grants. The application deadline … View >>
2011 AgOptions recipient helping develop new farmer training for Organic Growers School!
October 5, 2015
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Jennifer
2011 AgOptions recipient, Nicole Decogliano, is helping develop new farmer training! Organic Growers School is launching Farm Beginnings®, a yearlong farmer training course beginning on October 24th, 2015. For more information, Click Here.
Past Grantee News: Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest
April 22, 2015
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Jennifer
2008 recipient farm Spinning Spider Creamery and 2012 recipient English Farmstead Cheese have been working hard on a project aimed at raising awareness of the region’s artisanal cheese crafters: the Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest. Slated for Sunday, April 26, at … View >>
WNC farmers expand business through grants
March 5, 2015
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Jennifer
Farmers in Western North Carolina will branch out with new crops and alternative growing methods, thanks to 31 grants totaling $168,000 given out by WNC AgOptions. The grants, funded by the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, help farmers offset the … View >>
Sustainable connections: Cleveland County farm receives 2015 AgOptions Grant
March 2, 2015
by
Jennifer
Stacey Costner and Alexander Meander, operators of Living Earth Sanctuary and Wild Dahlia Homestead, were the recipients of one of 31 WNC AgOptions Grants. The Grant Award: $6,000 grant will help them with projects in native and perennial food crops … View >>
Local farmers, including Boone ginseng grower, among recipients of WNC Agriculture Options grants
February 28, 2015
by
Megan
Western North Carolina farmers are gaining much-needed support in diversifying or expanding their operations this year, helping some grow to a whole new level. WNC Agricultural Options presented 31 farm businesses a total of $168,000 in grants on Thursday at … View >>
Local farmer is among recipients of WNC Agricultural Options grant
February 28, 2015
by
Megan
Western North Carolina farmers are gaining support in diversifying or expanding their operations. WNC Agricultural Options presented 31 farm businesses a total of $168,000 in grants Feb. 12 at an event at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center … View >>