2024 Grants Available
September 6, 2023
by
Jennifer
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 >>
2024 APPLICATION AND GUIDELINES
September 5, 2023
by
Jennifer
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 >>
2024 Regional Grant Cycle Information Sessions
July 27, 2023
by
Jennifer
The 2024 WNC AgOptions cycle has officially launched! You are invited and encouraged to attend an informational meeting about the WNC AgOptions grant program for growers and producers in 2024. Representatives from the WNC AgOptions program will be present to … View >>
Expanding traditions Family-owned farm in Marion — and known internationally — gets grant for producing more foods
April 5, 2023
by
Jennifer
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 Grantees Announced!
March 21, 2023
by
Jennifer
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 >>
Farm Grants Aim to Strengthen Agribusinesses in WNC
March 21, 2023
by
Jennifer
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 >>
2023 Recipient: Michael Adams, Kestrel Herb Farm
March 16, 2023
by
Jennifer
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 >>
2023 Recipient: Billy Bryant, Bryant Farms
March 16, 2023
by
Jennifer
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 >>
2023 Recipient: Lisa and Dennis Braswell, Braswell Mountain Farms
March 16, 2023
by
Jennifer
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 >>
2023 Recipient: Alvin Blake Brown, Brown’s Farm Ridge
March 16, 2023
by
Jennifer
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 >>
2023 Recipient: Nicole Coston, Bearwallow Valley Farms
March 16, 2023
by
Jennifer
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 >>
2023 Recipient: Morgan Decker, Root Bottom Farm
March 16, 2023
by
Jennifer
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 >>
2023 Recipient: Chue Lee, Lee’s One Fortune Farm
March 16, 2023
by
Jennifer
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 >>
2023 Recipient: Ruth McCloud, McCloud Farms
March 16, 2023
by
Jennifer
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 >>
2023 Recipient: Matthew Nichols, Nichols Beef Farm
March 16, 2023
by
Jennifer
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 >>
2023 Recipient: Susan Owen, The Lily Patch Farm
March 15, 2023
by
Jennifer
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 >>