The WNC AgOptions program assists farmers and their communities by strategically establishing diversified crops and/or agriculture tourism ventures. Economically viable farming operations enhance tourism and sustainable development by retaining open space and wildlife areas that draw people to area. Diversification of income sources is a solid strategy to reach this goal of economic viability.

WNC AgOptions provides mini-grants as an incentive to diversify farm operations that could generate new economic growth in Western North Carolina. The grants provide financial aid to farmers who are taking risks in new markets. The steering committee has designed a formal grant application and scoring system, and awardees undergo periodic evaluations throughout the grant cycle.

N.C. Cooperative Extension Agents meet with applicants prior to submitting their proposal to help develop their projects. Once awarded, WNC AgOptions recipients receive technical and marketing assistance throughout the year.

WNC AgOptions steering committee members include: representatives from N.C. Cooperative Extension, N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Sciences - Marketing, HandMade in America, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, and other agribusiness leaders.

The state's economy depends heavily on small businesses, including agricultural ventures. WNC AgOptions projects offer ample opportunity for applicants to market their products locally, so that WNC AgOptions grants go even one step to further improve the local economy and healthy food supply.

Our Mission:

The Western North Carolina Agricultural Options Program builds sustainable farming communities in our mountain region by providing resources directly to farmers who are diversifying and expanding their operations.

Goals and Objectives:

• Assist tobacco farmers & those in tobacco-dependent communities to build economically sustainable enterprises.

• Minimize financial risk in crop transition by providing financial incentive to farmers selected through a competitive application process.

• Provide production, marketing & business management assistance to WNC AgOptions recipients to further support their projects.

• Offer demonstration of farm viability to the agricultural community.

• Support community group projects that improve Western North Carolina's local agricultural system by addressing processing, packaging, marketing or other distribution needs.

 

With support from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, WNC Agricultural Options has provided more than 300 grants totaling $1.3 million, along with agribusiness training and marketing education, to farmers and community groups since 2004.

In the last decade, the farm 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 2003, agricultural leaders in the region — including N.C. Cooperative Extension county centers, 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.

In 2008, 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 steering committee established a community grant program in 2011 to support groups improving the local agricultural system by addressing processing, packaging, marketing or other distribution needs.

In 2011, WNC Communities became the fiscal agent of the WNC AgOptions program. WNC Communities is dedicated to providing a unique forum for leaders of Western North Carolina to convene, collaborate and carry out innovative programs to improve the quality of life for rural communities and to enhance the agriculture economy.

Members of the WNC AgOptions steering committee include N.C. Cooperative Extension Agents from all areas of the region, an NCDA Marketing Specialist, the Farm Outreach Specialist at Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project and a farmers cooperative owner.

The diverse board of WNC AgOptions continues its mission of building sustainable farming communities in the mountains. WNC AgOptions projects demonstrate to the larger agricultural community successful crop transition, farm expansion, and innovative farming practices and marketing techniques. The steering committee seeks ways to improve the local agricultural system as a whole while also boosting individual farm enterprises.

 

Since 2004, WNC AgOptions has administered 300+ grants totaling $1.3 million. Six community group projects in 2011 impacted 3,500 farmers. Grantees report significant impacts on the local economy and commmunities:

• Projects are a powerful catalyst for leveraging personal investments, with awardees reporting a contribution of personal savings, other grants or loans, farm and off-farm income, and in-kind labor and equipment of two to four times the original grant amount.

• Projects typically secure employment of two or three people per farm.
 
• Each grant cycle typically results in a $2 million+ four-year gain in farmer income. New income generated in the first year as a result of the project is typically twice the original grant amount. Most recipients expect significant gains by the fourth year, typically four times the original grant amount.

• As agriculture communities are strengthened and farmer income is secure, land is more likely to remain farmland. Grants in 2010 helped keep 370 acres in production, and the recipients own a total of 2,500 acres.

• Each year, the farmers collectively reach more than 10,000 people, including customers, workshop attendees, workers employed, and others receiving information about the project.

Data gathered from annual grantee reports and July 2006 economic impact analysis conducted by Richard L. Hoffman Center for Assessment and Research Alliances at Mars Hill College.

Download the AgOptions Economic Impact Study >>
3MB pdf document