WNC AgOptions Grant Cycle now Open.

WNC AgOptions intent to apply deadline is November 12.  Application deadline is December 17.

WNC Agricultural Options is now accepting grant applications from farmers diversifying or expanding their businesses.  Applicants should contact their Cooperative Extension Agents by November 12 to set up an appointment to discuss their projects.  Applications are available on the WNC AgOptions website or at our office, 60 East Court Street, Marion, 2nd Floor.

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.

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 agricultural 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 agribusiness leaders.