It will soon be time for farmers to apply for the 2025 WNC Ag Options Grants. WNC Ag Options works to build sustainable farming communities in our mountain region by providing resources directly to farmers who are diversifying or expanding their operations.  The ultimate goal of Ag Options is to protect mountain farmland by assisting the longevity of farm enterprises.  Priority is given to farmers who have a tobacco history.

In 2025, grants of $5,000 and $10,000 are available to farmers located within a 22-county area of Western North Carolina. 

There are many types of projects and improvements that are a good fit for this grant program.  If you are interested in this program, consider these preparation steps for applying to this program:

1. Think about potential farm improvement projects.  Project that are focused on diversifying the farm, or enhancing current production practices to expand upon an existing farm business are ideal.  Some previously approved projects in Yancey County have included the purchase of equipment that will cut labor costs, expansion of a milking parlor to add production capability, and constructing a produce packing shed that is GAP compliant.  There are many potential projects that could be a good fit for this program.
2. Schedule time to meet with N.C. Cooperative Extension, Yancey County Center Staff to discuss and begin working on your grant application.. Although the 2025 WNC Ag Options program is not quite completely up and running just yet, it is not too early to begin discussion with Extension staff about your project.  Better planning will pay off and increase your chances of successfully receiving this grant.  In addition, this program has an "Intent to Apply" Deadline of October 11.  Gathering input from your local county Extension staff before this date about your project is an essential part of this program.  If you have a potential project in mind, please feel free to contact Yancey County Agriculture Extension Agent, David Davis, or Yancey County Agriculture Technician, Adam McCurry to begin the process of preparation to apply.
3. Attend one of the upcoming 2025 WNC Ag Options Informational Sessions.  Although attendance at one of these sessions is not required to apply for this program, it is highly encouraged.  David and Adam will be attending the Ag Options Informational Session scheduled for September 19, 2024 at TRACTOR Food & Farms, 6:00 - 7:30 PM.  Those that wish to attend this session can RSVP by sending an email to agoptions@wnccommunities.org, or contact the Yancey County Center so we can RSVP for you.  There are several other sessions being held throughout Western North Carolina.  Contact N.C. Cooperative Extension of Yancey County if you need to attend an informational session held on a different day and place.

Applications for the 2025 WNC Ag Options Grants will be made available soon!  However, it is best not to wait to start preparing to apply.  If you are a farmer in Yancey County with a potential project, and you wish to apply for the 2025 WNC AgOptions Grant program, please contact David Davis (david_davis@ncsu.edu) or Adam McCurry (adam_mccurry@ncsu.edu) by email, or call the N.C. Cooperative Extension Yancey County Center at (828) 682-6186.