North Carolina AgVentures Grant Program

NC AgVentures is a Cooperative Extension program that provides grants to North Carolina independent family farms, and community organizations that work with family farms to develop new and innovative agricultural projects which will increase farm profits. This is a great opportunity for any producer who is thinking of diversifying, improving, or expanding their operation.

NC AgVentures offers two grant options:

1. Individual Grants for North Carolina family farms who are agriculturally dependent and who have viable ideas for innovative agricultural projects to increase farm profits.

2. Community grants are available for community groups and organizations with project ideas that will directly benefit 3 or more farms. Some examples: Cooperative Extension, farming associations, local schools, churches and civic groups with

Family farms and community organizations working with farmers in the following counties are eligible to apply: Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Cabarrus, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Forsyth, Gaston, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Iredell, Johnson, Lincoln, Martin, Mecklenburg, Nash, Northampton, Orange, Person, Pitt, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Sampson, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Vance, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, Wilkes, Warren, and Yadkin.

Priority will be given to:

• Applicants that are current/former tobacco growers, former quota holders, tobacco workers or close family descendants.

• Farms that have not received previous funding from NC Tobacco Trust Commission, RAFI or NC AgVentures

• Applicants that earn at least 50% of their gross personal income from their farm operation.

• Proposals that present a new direction or innovative opportunity to diversify, expand or implement new entrepreneurial plans for their farm operations that are viable and will increase farm profits.

Criteria:

• The project must increase farm income and/or maintain employment opportunities The proposal must be adequately researched

• The budget must be realistic

• The applicant must have the skills to complete the project or have identified technical assistance to help them implement a successful project

• The project must become self-supporting and/or enhance your ability to keep farming The proposal must be reviewed and submitted by a N.C. Cooperative Extension agent All proposals must be typed for consideration

1. Review the Sample Application and gather the required two (2) reference letters.

2. Apply at this portal. Paste your answers from the Sample Application into the online form and submit.

• Sample Application

• Past Grant Awards

• Online Workshop Video for Applicants

• Workshop Slides