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Are there more awards for farmers available?
In 2011, WNC AgOptions is awarding grants in the $3,000 to $9,000 range to individual farmers demonstrating profitable farm transition. Community grants (a maximum of $20,000) are available to support group projects that improve Western North Carolina's local agricultural system by enhancing existing farm ventures, particularly by addressing processing, packaging, marketing and other distribution needs. The application deadline for 2011 has passed.
For an example application:
-Download Individual Farm Business Application here in Word or PDF
-Download Community Grants Application here in Word or PDF
Please check back for announcements about the availability of grants in 2012.
.What are the requirements if I am selected for a WNC AgOptions award?
Awardees follow through with timeline and project activities as stated in their submitted application. Cooperative Extension Agent and WNC AgOptions Project Manager will visit each of the farms throughout the season to discuss progress on the project and assist with technical and marketing questions. The $6,000 and $9,000 awardees are responsible for attending agribusiness workshops and completing business plans for their projects. All recipients attend orientation workshops at the beginning of the season as well as submit income and expense forms, receipts for project expenses, and program surveys at the end of the funding cycle.
How do I locate previous WNC AgOptions recipients' farms?
Contact Megan Riley at info@wncagoptions.org or (828) 649-2411 x305.
Who do I contact to market my product?
Contact Bill Glenn, Marketing Specialist, N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Email (828) 253-1691, x13. Or refer to our list of resources in the region and across the state.
Who can assist me with an agribusiness plan?
Contact Tammara Cole, Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture, N.C. Cooperative Extension, (828) 554-6936, tammara_cole@ncsu.edu
Who can help me with agritourism?
Contact Martha Glass, NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Sciences Markets Division - Agritourism Office, at Martha.Glass@ncmail.net or (919) 733-7887 x276. Please also see: www.ncagr.com/agritourism.
For more information on agri-tourism please contact your local extension agent. |
