Browse Ambrook’s collection of grants, loans, discounts, cost shares, easements, and insurance for agritourism.

- Application for AMA, ACEP Wetland Reserve Easements, CSP and EQIP
- Application for ACEP Agricultural Land Easements

Landowners - to learn more about both ALE and WRE, contact your local NRCS office. An NRCS conservationist will visit you and evaluate your land to help you determine eligibility for the various components of ACEP. If your land is eligible for ALE and you are looking for an eligible entity to hold your conservation easement; please visit
- https://farmlandinfo.org/farmland-protection-directory/     
- https://www.findalandtrust.org/     
Eligible Entities - to learn more about Agricultural Land Easements, please contact your NRCS state office programs staff to inquire about how you can partner with NRCS to enroll conservation easements on eligible land.


The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) helps landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands, grasslands, and working farms and ranches through conservation easements. Under the Agricultural Land Easements component, NRCS helps American Indian tribes, state and local governments and&#x2004;non-governmental organizations protect working agricultural lands and limit non-agricultural uses of the land. 


### Benefits

Agricultural Land Easements protect the long-term viability of the nation’s food supply by preventing conversion of productive working lands to non-agricultural uses. Land protected by agricultural land easements provides additional public benefits, including environmental quality, historic preservation, wildlife habitat and protection of open space.


### Agricultural Land Easements 

NRCS provides financial assistance to eligible partners for purchasing Agricultural Land Easements that protect the agricultural use and conservation values of eligible land. In the case of working farms, the program helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agriculture. The program also protects grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving grassland, including rangeland, pastureland and shrubland. Eligible partners include American Indian tribes, state and local governments and non-governmental organizations that have farmland, rangeland or grassland protection programs.


ACEP also provides Easements to protect Wetlands through the [ACEP Water Reserve Easement sub-program](https://ambrook.com/funding/acep-wre).



The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) helps landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands, grasslands, and working farms and ranches through conservation easements. Under the Agricultural Land Easements component, NRCS helps American Indian tribes, state and local governments and non-governmental organizations protect working agricultural lands and limit non-agricultural uses of the land. 

Benefits
Agricultural Land Easements protect the long-term viability of the nation’s food supply by preventing conversion of productive working lands to non-agricultural uses. Land protected by agricultural land easements provides additional public benefits, including environmental quality, historic preservation, wildlife habitat and protection of open space.

Agricultural Land Easements 
NRCS provides financial assistance to eligible partners for purchasing Agricultural Land Easements that protect the agricultural use and conservation values of eligible land. In the case of working farms, the program helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agriculture. The program also protects grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving grassland, including rangeland, pastureland and shrubland. Eligible partners include American Indian tribes, state and local governments and non-governmental organizations that have farmland, rangeland or grassland protection programs.

ACEP also provides Easements to protect Wetlands through the ACEP Water Reserve Easement sub-program.

Eligible Landowners
- Eligible partners include American Indian tribes, state and local governments and non-governmental organizations that have farmland, rangeland or grassland protection programs. 
- Eligible landowners include owners of privately held land including land that is held by tribes and tribal members.
- All landowners, including required members of landowner-legal entities, must meet adjusted gross income (AGI) limitations and must be compliant with the HEL/WC provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985.

Eligible Land
Land eligible for agricultural easements includes private or Tribal land that is agricultural land, cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forest land. NRCS will prioritize applications that protect agricultural uses and related conservation values of the land and those that maximize the protection of contiguous acres devoted to agricultural use, including land on a farm or ranch.
Eligible Land Types and which also meets one of the four following land eligibility criteria:
1. Parcels enrolled to protect Prime, Unique, or Other productive soil.
2. Parcels enrolled to provide protection of grazing uses and related conservation values.
3. Parcels containing historical or archeological resources.
4. Land that furthers a state or local policy consistent with the purposes of ACEP-ALE.

Payment per unit of land to do or avoid certain practices related to land management.

Easement

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

- Farmland Protection Directory     
- Land Trust Alliance    
- Options for Integrating Minimum Deed Terms
- Minimum Deed Terms With Commentary

Air Quality

Carbon Capture

Certification

High Tunnel

Landscape

Regenerative

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Stewardship

Agritourism

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Water Management

Conservation

NRCS provides financial assistance to eligible partners for purchasing Agricultural Land Easements that protect the agricultural use and conservation values of eligible land.
For working farms, the program helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agriculture. Under the Agricultural Land Easement component, NRCS may contribute up to 50 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement.
The program also protects grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving grassland, including rangeland, pastureland and shrubland. Where NRCS determines that grasslands of special environmental significance will be protected, NRCS may contribute up to 75 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement.
Agricultural Land Easements are permanent or for the maximum term allowed by law.

Landowners - to learn more about both ALE and WRE, contact your local NRCS office. An NRCS conservationist will visit you and evaluate your land to help you determine eligibility for the various components of ACEP. If your land is eligible for ALE and you are looking for an eligible entity to hold your conservation easement; please visit
- https://farmlandinfo.org/farmland-protection-directory/     
- https://www.findalandtrust.org/     
Eligible Entities - to learn more about Agricultural Land Easements, please contact your NRCS state office programs staff to inquire about how you can partner with NRCS to enroll conservation easements on eligible land.

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) helps landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands, grasslands, and working farms and ranches through&#x2004;conservation easements. Under the Wetlands Reserve Easements component, NRCS helps to restore, protect and enhance enrolled wetlands.


**Benefits: ** Wetland Reserve Easements provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, protect biological diversity and provide opportunities for educational, scientific and limited recreational activities.


**Related Programs: ** ACEP also provides Easements to protect Agricultural Land through the [ACEP Agricultural Land Easement Program](https://ambrook.com/funding/acep-ale), and additional wetland protection through the [Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership](https://ambrook.com/funding/wrep).



The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) helps landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands, grasslands, and working farms and ranches through conservation easements. Under the Wetlands Reserve Easements component, NRCS helps to restore, protect and enhance enrolled wetlands.

Benefits: Wetland Reserve Easements provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, protect biological diversity and provide opportunities for educational, scientific and limited recreational activities.

Related Programs: ACEP also provides Easements to protect Agricultural Land through the ACEP Agricultural Land Easement Program, and additional wetland protection through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership.

Eligible Landowners
- Owners of privately held land including land that is held by American Indian tribes.
- All landowners, including required members of landowner-legal entities, must meet adjusted gross income (AGI) limitations and must be compliant with the HEL/WC provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985.

Eligible Land
1. Land eligible for wetland reserve easements includes privately held farmed or converted wetland that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored. NRCS will prioritize applications based the easement’s potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.

- ACEP Fact Sheet 
- Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP)
- Farmland Protection Directory     
- Land Trust Alliance    

To enroll land through wetland reserve easements, NRCS enters into purchase agreements with eligible private landowners or Indian tribes that include the right for NRCS to develop and implement a Wetland Reserve Plan of Operations (WRPO). This plan will detail practices to help restore, protect and enhance the wetlands functions and values.
Wetland Reserve enrollment options include:
- Permanent Easements – Permanent easements are conservation easements in perpetuity. NRCS pays 100 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 75 to 100 percent of the restoration costs.
- 30-year Easements – 30-year easements expire after 30 years. Under 30-year easements, NRCS pays 50 to 75 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 50 to 75 percent of the restoration costs. 
- Term Easements - Term easements are easements that are for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws. NRCS pays 50 to 75 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the term easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 50 to 75 percent of the restoration costs.
- 30-year Contracts – 30-year contracts are only available to enroll acreage owned by Indian tribes and program payment rates are commensurate with 30-year easements.
For all Wetland Reserve Easements options, NRCS pays all costs associated with recording the easement in the local land records office, including recording fees, charges for abstracts, survey and appraisal fees and title insurance.

1. Complete the Application
2. Applications, including all supplements, should be limited to twenty (20) pages. Promotional materials or unrelated materials are discouraged.  
3. A copy of the proposal must be 
    a. emailed to Jason.harvey@ag.ok.gov or 
    b. Three (3) copies of the proposal must be delivered or mailed to the Board at:
Oklahoma Agriculture Enhancement and Diversification Program
Jason Harvey
P.O. Box 528804
Oklahoma City, OK 73152

Jason Harvey

Market Coordinator

The Agriculture Enhancement and Diversification Program was designed to develop or improve uses for agricultural products, expand the state’s production of value-added products and to encourage diversified farming. The program provides funds in the form of&#x2004;grants or 0% interest loans. Proposals must clearly demonstrate the ability to directly benefit Oklahoma farmers and ranchers through the creation of new revenue streams.


Deadline dates for submissions are **January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st** or the next regular business day if the Department offices are closed on the deadline date.


This grant can be granted in one of the below five categories:


**Farm Diversification Grant**

Projects must diversify the farm or ranch to non-traditional crops or non-traditional livestock, on-farm processing of agricultural commodities or assist in the development of an agritourism venue that will promote access to a new market. Projects cannot be an extension or expansion of existing operations and must show the potential to create additional income for the farm unit. Grants are available in three levels not to exceed $10,000.

- Grants $2,500 or less requires no matching funds.

- Grants $2,501 – $5,000 require some level of cash or in-kind match in funds.

- Grants $5,001 – $10,000 require a dollar for dollar cash match.




The Agriculture Enhancement and Diversification Program was designed to develop or improve uses for agricultural products, expand the state’s production of value-added products and to encourage diversified farming. The program provides funds in the form of grants or 0% interest loans. Proposals must clearly demonstrate the ability to directly benefit Oklahoma farmers and ranchers through the creation of new revenue streams.

Deadline dates for submissions are January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st or the next regular business day if the Department offices are closed on the deadline date.

This grant can be granted in one of the below five categories:

Farm Diversification Grant
Projects must diversify the farm or ranch to non-traditional crops or non-traditional livestock, on-farm processing of agricultural commodities or assist in the development of an agritourism venue that will promote access to a new market. Projects cannot be an extension or expansion of existing operations and must show the potential to create additional income for the farm unit. Grants are available in three levels not to exceed $10,000.
- Grants $2,500 or less requires no matching funds.
- Grants $2,501 – $5,000 require some level of cash or in-kind match in funds.
- Grants $5,001 – $10,000 require a dollar for dollar cash match.


- Proposals must demonstrate a well-prepared action plan, and markets must have been researched and possible income must be projected.
- New and innovative plans for marketing products must be evident.
- A sound business plan must show potential profits from diversifying.
- Applicants must receive an endorsement from individuals who are professionals/specialists in the field the applicant is applying. Advisors must be willing to assist the applicant in fulfilling the project and have reviewed the application and be willing to answer questions if contacted.

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

Local Food

Trials

Farmers Market

Marketing

Recreation

Funds must be used to produce alternative ag products or process and/or market Oklahoma ag products. Activities must create rural economic development, and indicate the probability of success. Preference is given to applicants whose:
- Industrial and non-food production processes use ag products
- Food, feed and fiber products and uses are innovative and add value to ag products
- Applications demonstrate a high probability of job creation and return-on-investment
- Proposals feature research that is innovative as well as commercially plausible
- Proposals demonstrate a high probability of rapid commercialization
- Projects demonstrate a commitment for funding from other private or public sources or from the applicant
- Proposals center efforts on rural locales
- Principals are individuals, a group of individuals, an individual on behalf of a group or corporations that meet the criteria set forth: to market a product or formulate or implement a marketing plan for products not marketed through existing cooperatives
- Proposals must have potential to create additional income for the farm unit
- Proposals must provide new, innovative plans for marketing the product

Grants are available in three levels not to exceed $10,000.
- Grants $2,500 or less requires no matching funds.
- Grants $2,501 - $5,000 requires some level of cash or in-kind match in funds.
- Grants $5,001 - $10,000 requires a dollar for dollar cash match.

- Printable Application
- Online Application Portal
All applications are received on a rolling basis. 
The PSWF Application requires the following information:
- Farm Contact Information
- # of acres
- # of livestock and livestock type
- Practices proposed or interested in learning more about
- If applicable, partners or other organizations you are working with on the project
Prior to applying, please read the important information below:
- Submitting an application does not ensure an award.
- Grant agreements must be in place prior to the start of construction.
- Farmer is responsible for financing the project during construction and will only receive reimbursement upon certified project completion.
- Final cost share payment is determined by actual project costs as documented by itemized invoices.
- Farmer’s equipment and labor costs are eligible for reimbursement.

Connor Steckel

The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program provides pasture management technical assistance and financial assistance to Vermont farmers to improve water quality and on-farm livestock exclusion from surface waters statewide.


### **Eligible Practices**

- Fence 

- Livestock Pipeline

- Water Source Development 

- Watering Facility 

- Improved Permanent Water Area 

- Stream Crossing 

- Electric Fence Chargers 

- Trails & Walkways





The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program provides pasture management technical assistance and financial assistance to Vermont farmers to improve water quality and on-farm livestock exclusion from surface waters statewide.

Eligible Practices
- Fence 
- Livestock Pipeline
- Water Source Development 
- Watering Facility 
- Improved Permanent Water Area 
- Stream Crossing 
- Electric Fence Chargers 
- Trails & Walkways



- Be a Vermont farm as defined in the Required Agricultural Practices
- Manage pastureland where water quality will benefit from implementation of improved pasture management and eligible and/or necessary conservation practices
- Have ownership or land control for the lifespan of the practice (10 years)
- Have an insurance policy that allows for the State and its employees and officers to be listed as additional insured

Livestock

Cattle

Pigs

Poultry

Sheep

Specialty Livestock

Beef Cattle

Dairy Cattle

Feeder Cattle

Slaughter Cattle

Calves

Heifers

Steers

Bulls

Barrows

Boars

Feeder Pigs

Hogs

Sows

Chickens

Cornish Hens

Ducks

Geese

Turkey

Ewes

Lambs

Rams

Alpacas

Beefalo

Bison

Buffalo

Caribou

Deer

Emus

Goats

Guinea Pigs

Llamas

Mink

Mohair

Ostrich

Pheasants

Quail

Rabbits

Reindeer

Water Buffalo

Beef Bottom Round

Beef Brisket

Beef Chuck Roast

Beef Eye Round

Beef Flank Steak

Beef Flat Iron Steak

Beef Heart

Beef Liver

Beef London Broil

Beef NY Strip Steak

Beef Oxtail

Beef Rib Steak

Beef Rump Roast

Beef Short Ribs

Beef Sirloin

Beef Sirloin Tip Roast

Beef Skirt Steak

Beef Soup Bones

Beef Stew Meat

Beef Tongue

Beef Top Round

Beef Whole Filet

Ground Beef

Broilers

Chicks

Fryers

Layers

Pullets

Roasters

Ducklings

Goslings

Poults

Toms

Ground Lamb

Lamb Chops

Lamb Heart

Lamb Leg

Lamb Liver

Lamb Shank

Lamb Shoulder

Lamb Stew Meat

Bison Calf

Bison Meat

Bucks

Nannies

Slaughter Goats

Irrigation

Water Quality

Waterway Protection

Wetland Conservation

Infrastructure

Disaster Relief

Emergency

- The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program provides no-cost pasture management technical assistance from experienced grazing specialists
- PSWF also provides financial assistance that reimburses 90% of the cost to install infrastructure that will improve pasture management, up to the farm’s grant amount.
    - Maximum grant amount when the project has livestock exclusion from surface waters is $15,000 per farm.
    - Maximum grant amount when there is no livestock exclusion from surface waters, but where rotational grazing will be implemented or improved is $10,000 per farm. Rotational grazing requires at minimum moving livestock at least twice per week.

Partners interested in WREP are encouraged to work with their NRCS state office as part of developing the proposal. Proposals must follow ACEP criteria for Wetland Reserve Easements.
Proposals must be emailed to the NRCS state office contact listed in the local announcement by August 15, 2021.
Individual landowners interested in enrolling their land in a Wetland Reserve Easement may apply at any time at their local USDA Service Center.

Lisa McCauley

National WREP Program Manager

The Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) is a voluntary program through which NRCS enters into agreements with eligible partners to leverage resources to&#x2004;carry out high priority wetland protection, restoration, and enhancement and to improve wildlife habitat. It is part of the Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) component of the [Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/easements/acep/?cid=stelprdb1242695), a Farm Bill conservation program.


**Program at a Glance:**


Through WREP, state agencies, county and local governments, non-governmental organizations and American Indian tribes are encouraged to submit proposals for priority project areas to collaborate with NRCS through program and partnership agreements. Once a proposal is accepted for funding the partners work with tribal and private landowners who voluntarily enroll eligible land into easements to protect, restore and enhance wetlands on their properties.


The voluntary nature of NRCS easement programs enables effective integration of wetland restoration on working landscapes, providing benefits to farmers and ranchers who enroll in the program, as well as benefits to the communities where the wetlands exist. Easements enable landowners to adopt a variety of conservation practices with the help of funding from NRCS that improve the function and condition of wetlands.


**Benefits:**


Wetland Reserve Easements protect important wetlands within an agricultural landscape, provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, protect biological diversity and provide opportunities for educational, scientific and limited recreational activities.


Partner benefits through WREP agreements include:

- Wetland restoration and protection in areas where priorities align to enable greater impacts on the landscape;

- Ability to cost-share restoration or enhancement beyond NRCS requirements through leveraging;

- Ability to provide in-kind staff capacity for acquisition, due diligence and restoration activities.


**Ranking Considerations:**


NRCS will prioritize applications for projects that:

- Provide maximum partner resources as match;

- Support the goals and objectives of an NRCS Landscape Conservation Initiatives;

- Protect habitat that benefits migratory birds and wetland-dependent wildlife;

- Provide direct benefits to federal and state threatened and endangered species; and

- Include targeted outreach to underserved groups in the agricultural community.



The Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) is a voluntary program through which NRCS enters into agreements with eligible partners to leverage resources to carry out high priority wetland protection, restoration, and enhancement and to improve wildlife habitat. It is part of the Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) component of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), a Farm Bill conservation program.

Program at a Glance:

Through WREP, state agencies, county and local governments, non-governmental organizations and American Indian tribes are encouraged to submit proposals for priority project areas to collaborate with NRCS through program and partnership agreements. Once a proposal is accepted for funding the partners work with tribal and private landowners who voluntarily enroll eligible land into easements to protect, restore and enhance wetlands on their properties.

The voluntary nature of NRCS easement programs enables effective integration of wetland restoration on working landscapes, providing benefits to farmers and ranchers who enroll in the program, as well as benefits to the communities where the wetlands exist. Easements enable landowners to adopt a variety of conservation practices with the help of funding from NRCS that improve the function and condition of wetlands.

Benefits:

Wetland Reserve Easements protect important wetlands within an agricultural landscape, provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, protect biological diversity and provide opportunities for educational, scientific and limited recreational activities.

Partner benefits through WREP agreements include:
- Wetland restoration and protection in areas where priorities align to enable greater impacts on the landscape;
- Ability to cost-share restoration or enhancement beyond NRCS requirements through leveraging;
- Ability to provide in-kind staff capacity for acquisition, due diligence and restoration activities.

Ranking Considerations:

NRCS will prioritize applications for projects that:
- Provide maximum partner resources as match;
- Support the goals and objectives of an NRCS Landscape Conservation Initiatives;
- Protect habitat that benefits migratory birds and wetland-dependent wildlife;
- Provide direct benefits to federal and state threatened and endangered species; and
- Include targeted outreach to underserved groups in the agricultural community.

Through WREP, under the Wetlands Reserve Easements component of ACEP, partners work with NRCS to help restore, protect and enhance enrolled wetlands directly with private landowners and Indian tribes through the purchase of an NRCS Wetland Reserve Easement. Eligible lands, which include farmed or converted wetland habitat that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored, may be enrolled under permanent easements, 30-year easements, or 30-year contracts (for acreage owned by Indian Tribes). For lands enrolled through wetland easements, NRCS will also develop and implement a Wetland Reserve Easement restoration plan that will restore, protect, and enhance the wetland’s functions and values.

Partner contributions must equal at least 10 percent of the total estimated costs for easement acquisition related costs and restoration implementation costs. Proposals that provide partner contributions greater than 10 percent will be given higher consideration in the selection process.

Thoroughly read the RFA and make sure you have your application materials together before continuing. Contact your local USDA service center if you need assistance.
In addition to preparing your application, you will need to complete the following steps to apply for a grant:
1. Apply for a DUNS number
2. Register with System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
3. Register with www.grants.gov

Each application must include the following forms:
- FMLFPP Narrative Form (docx)
- FMLFPP Turnkey Narrative Form (docx)
- FMLFPP Project Narrative Guide (pdf)
- Verification of Matching Funds Template (docx)
- Forms SF-424 can be found with the www.grants.gov website application submission.
- Partner Organization Letter Template (docx)
- Evidence of Critical Resources and Infrastructure Letter Template (docx) [If applicable]
- Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement [If applicable]

Submit your application on grants.gov by searching for opportunity number USDA-AMS-TM-FMPP-G-22-0002.

USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service, Grants Division

The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) funds projects that develop, coordinate and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products by developing, coordinating, expanding, and providing outreach, training, and technical assistance to domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, online sales or other direct producer-to-consumer (including direct producer-to-retail, direct producer-to-restaurant and direct producer-to-institutional marketing) market opportunities. A 25% match is required.



All applicants must be domestic entities owned, operated and located within the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands to be considered eligible. Entities that are eligible to apply include:
- Agricultural businesses and cooperatives
- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) networks and associations
- Food Councils
- Economic development corporations
- Local governments
- Nonprofit and public benefit corporations
- Producer networks or associations
- Regional farmers' market authorities
- Tribal governments

- 2023 FMPP Request For Application [RFAs] (pdf)
- FMPP Fact Sheet (pdf)
- FMLFPP Research Brief (pdf)
- FMLFPP FAQs (pdf)
- COVID-19 Resources for Grants
- Farmers Market Promotion Program Overview (Video)
- FY24 LAMP Stakeholder Toolkit (docx)

Trade Relief

Food Systems

Applicants must contact their Cooperative Extension agents by Oct. 14 to set up an appointment to discuss their projects. Extension agents will remain a resource for farmers throughout the year as they complete their projects.

After discussing the project with an Extension agent, complete the application and submit either by email or regular mail:
 Email Requirements:
- All proposal documents, including attachments, must be in PDF format.
- All sections of application must be submitted; including SECTIONS VI, VII and Letters of Support (scans are acceptable). If awarded, you will need to provide originals before any money is dispersed.
- Proposal to be in a single PDF file if possible. If file is too big, the attachments can be sent as one document and the application as a separate document.
- Email application to agoptions@wnccommunities.org
- Please include the words 2023 WNC AgOptions Application in the subject line.

Mail or Hand-Delivery Requirements:
If sending a hard copy, a traceable/trackable mailing method is suggested. Mail or Hand Deliver to:
WNC AgOptions Project Coordinator
WNC Communities
594 Brevard Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806

WNC AgOptions Coordinator

IMPORTANT NOTICE: 2025 GRANT CYCLE CANCELLED

Tropical Storm Helene has caused widespread damage to our local communities and agricultural lands in Western North Carolina. Families have been displaced, farms have been devastated, and livelihoods are at risk. While the region recovers from the disaster, we regretfully have made the decision to cancel the upcoming grant cycle. This will allow our family farms to concentrate on recovery efforts and&#x2004;allow the resources in the region to focus on assisting farmers and their families.


Mission of WNC AgOptions: Building sustainable farming communities in our mountain region by providing resources directly to farmers who are diversifying or expanding their operations.

The ultimate goal of WNC AgOptions is to protect mountain farmland by assisting the longevity of farm enterprises and encouraging groups of farmers to solve logistical challenges in the local agricultural system.



IMPORTANT NOTICE: 2025 GRANT CYCLE CANCELLED
Tropical Storm Helene has caused widespread damage to our local communities and agricultural lands in Western North Carolina. Families have been displaced, farms have been devastated, and livelihoods are at risk. While the region recovers from the disaster, we regretfully have made the decision to cancel the upcoming grant cycle. This will allow our family farms to concentrate on recovery efforts and allow the resources in the region to focus on assisting farmers and their families.

Mission of WNC AgOptions: Building sustainable farming communities in our mountain region by providing resources directly to farmers who are diversifying or expanding their operations.
The ultimate goal of WNC AgOptions is to protect mountain farmland by assisting the longevity of farm enterprises and encouraging groups of farmers to solve logistical challenges in the local agricultural system.

Applicants are residents of North Carolina who demonstrate the economic viability of farms in Western North Carolina. Support is provided to individual farmers/farms that are diversifying or expanding their operations to increase farm income and encourage the sustainability of the farm businesses. The farm must be one in which the family holds the financial responsibility, takes the risks, and provides the majority of the management decisions for the farm business. WNC AgOptions awards grants to a variety of farm operations, including: fruits & vegetables, livestock, nurseries, agritourism, beekeeping and value-added processing. While agriculture is a varied and diverse industry that can be defined in many ways, WNC AgOptions favors applicants who operate a business and manage land for the purpose of producing crops for harvest and sale. Any funding requests should be for items directly related to the growing and harvesting of crops for sale, including livestock. WNC AgOptions also favors agritourism operations that are for the purpose of inviting the public on farm to increase sales of farm products.


- Guidelines for Applying
- 2023 Application

Weeds

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Buildings

Construction

Fencing

Greenhouse

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Storage

Inputs

Nutrient Management

Labor

Suitable expenses are those associated with the production and marketing of diversified farm enterprises and agri-tourism endeavors. Examples include, but are not limited to: seeds, fertilizer, plants, amendments, livestock, trainings, advertisements, packaging, fences, signage, facilities, supplies, tools and specialized equipment. Items that cannot be funded by the award include: farmer labor, pre-existing farm debt, and expenses that are dated outside of the grant period.

Funds must be used as stated in the applicant’s proposal. Use of funds inconsistent with the proposal will result in forfeiture of award and repayment of funds.

WNC AgOptions will provide cash awards to projects with budgets that are at least 10% higher than the amount of the award request. An award request of $4,000 would require a project budget of at least $4,400 and a $8,000 award request would require a budget of at least $8,800.

The $6,000 awards are only available for farmers who write a business plan for their project.

List of Agricultural Funding for Agritourism