Press Release: 

WNC AgOptions intent to apply deadline November 12; Application deadline December 17, 2021.

WNC Agricultural Options is now accepting grant applications from farmers diversifying or expanding their businesses. Applicants should contact their local Cooperative Extension agents by November 12 to set up an appointment to discuss their projects. Applications are available electronically at the AgOptions Website.  Hard copies of the application can be picked up at local N.C. Cooperative Extension offices.

WNC AgOptions offers grants to farmers in the following counties/units: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, and Yancey Counties, as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

The administrator of WNC AgOptions is WNC Communities, a non-profit organization that has been improving agriculture in the region since 1947. WNC Communities provides a unique forum for leaders in western North Carolina to carry out innovative programs to improve the quality of life for rural communities and to enhance the agriculture economy.

Members of the WNC AgOptions steering committee include representatives from N.C. Cooperative Extension, N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services–Marketing Division, WNC Communities, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, and other leaders in agribusiness.

[For Rutherford County producers – livestock producers will need to contact Jeff Bradley as the cooperating agent 828-287-6022 or jkbradl2@ncsu.edu, and horticultural producers will need to contact Hannah Bundy 828-287-6015 or hmbundy@ncsu.edu. It is strongly recommended that you reach out to your cooperating agent before you submit your letter of intent.] 

WNC AgOptions intent to apply deadline November 12; Application deadline December 17, 2021.