We will begin accepting applications Oct. 15, 2026.

Maximum grant award is $10,000

Submission Limit:

• We will accept a maximum of 200 applications for this cycle.

Deadline:

• December 15, 2026 at 6 p.m.
  • Once 200 applications have been submitted, the application portal will automatically close.

Overview:
NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program is an NC State Extension grant program that provides grants to NC family farms, and local non-profit community organizations to develop agricultural projects which will 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. In 2026, 68 grants were awarded.

Confirm that you are eligible
Farmers in the following counties are eligible for an NC AgVentures Grant: Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Cabarrus, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Forsyth,, Gaston, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Iredell, Johnston, Lincoln, Martin, Mecklenburg, Nash, Northampton, Orange, Person, Pitt, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Sampson, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Vance, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, Wilkes, Warren, Yadkin

• If your county is not listed, please click here.

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.  

FIND  YOUR LOCAL EXTENSION OFFICE

Attend an online workshop: We will provide an overview of the grant program and the application.

Application: There are four sections in the application. 

1. Contact Information
2. Farm Information
3. Project Description
4. Project Viability and Budget

Only one application per farm:

• We understand there may be more than one business on a farm, but you can only submit one farm application per year.
• Married couples or domestic partners with separate farm operations may submit only one application.

Application Review:

Proposals are reviewed by NC State Extension Agents, farmers, and other experts who are familiar with agriculture, agribusiness, and the local community.  Each application receives two reviews. Applications are ranked according to a numerical scoring system that evaluates the strength of the project to meet the grant priorities and criteria.  Grant awards are announced by the end of February.

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.

• 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?
• Budget total for the project must be at least 15% higher than the requested award amount.

Grant Winner Responsibilities:

• Attend a meeting to go over the responsibilities of the grant recipients.
• Complete all paperwork in a timely manner.
• Arrange a time for your Extension Agent to visit your farm.  Your agent should continue to be a resource and technical advisor throughout the year as you work on your grant project.
• You need to have insurance that will cover the activities of the grant project.
• Provide copies of receipts and photos to document grant project expenditures.
• Provide two grant reports, including income and expenses and a program survey.
• Grant recipients must be available by email or phone throughout the year.
• Recipients will recognize NC AgVentures and North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission as the funders/supporters of the project in all materials/marketing/advertising used to promote the project.
• Allow Extension to include the recipients’ projects in public relations, outreach, demonstration and education in future years.
• Complete the project in 12 months.