History of WNC AgOptions

In the last decade, the agricultural landscape of Western North Carolina changed significantly as many farmers transitioned from growing tobacco. The transition opened up a range of possibilities— local markets, diversified crops, and agricultural tourism. In 2004, agricultural leaders in the region — including N.C. Cooperative Extension, N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services - Marketing Division, and Handmade in America — formed the Western North Carolina Agricultural Options Program to give financial aid and technical assistance to farmers venturing into unknown agricultural markets. With support from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, the program provided grants and agribusiness training to 169 farmers through 2008.

In 2009, WNC AgOptions entered a partnership with RAFI-USA's Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund to offer awards to farmers demonstrating economic viable operations through 2011. The diverse board of WNC AgOptions continues its mission of building sustainable farming communities in the mountains. WNC AgOptions projects often demonstrate to the larger agricultural community successful crop transition, farm expansion, and innovative farming practices & marketing techniques.