Grant Opportunity for Family Farms
The NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program is an NC State Extension grant program that provides grants to existing NC family farms and local nonprofit community organizations to develop agricultural projects that increase farm profits. Funding is provided by the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. NC AgVentures Farm Grant is a competitive grant based on the merits of an application.
The program will award a minimum of 50 grants.
The maximum award is $10,000.
Priority will be given to (this does not affect eligibility):
- Applicants that are current/former tobacco growers, former quota holders, tobacco workers, or close family descendants.
- Farms that have not received previous grants.
- Applicants that earn at least 50% of their gross personal income from their farm operation.
- Proposals that present a new direction for the farm operation, exploring alternative crops, livestock, or new technology.
- Project proposals that will build farm capacity, a project that will make the farm stronger, smarter, more efficient and more resilient.
Your Extension Agent is your collaborator on the application proposal.
- Contact your Extension Agent early to schedule a time to consult on your project proposal and review your application.
- If you have not worked closely with your Extension Agent, invite them to visit your farm so they can better assist you with your project proposal.
- If you are not working with an Extension Agent, contact your local Extension office and speak with an Extension Agent about your project goals.
Review Criteria:
The most successful project proposals are ones that demonstrate how they will build farm capacity by making the farm stronger, smarter, more efficient, and more resilient. This grant is NOT for farm start-up costs.
- Does the project proposal show a good potential for success?
- Does the grant proposal incorporate Extension Best Practices?
- Will your project increase income relative to project cost?
- Will the project increase or maintain employment opportunities?
- Has the proposal been adequately researched and is well detailed?
- Does the project plan include strategies to protect soil, water, crops, and food products from contamination?
- Is the budget realistic?
- Does the applicant have the skills to complete the project?
- Does the project present a new direction or opportunity in the region?
- Will the project become self-supporting?
- Will other farmers in your region benefit from the project?
- The budget total for the project must be at least 15% higher than the requested award amount.
There will be overview webinars held:
Deadline to apply is December 15, 2026 at 6 p.m, or whenever they receive 200 applications (whichever is first).*
*Once 200 applications have been submitted, the application portal will automatically close.
For more information, visit the NC AgVentures Website or contact the Stokes County Extension Office at 336-593-8179:
- April Bowman, Livestock and Forages
- Matt Lenhardt, Consumer Horticulture
- Savannah Meyers, Family and Consumer Sciences
- Lexie Worley, Field Crops and Commercial Horticulture
