Guidelines for the NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program:

The NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program is a 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. This is a great opportunity for a North Carolina producer, with an established agricultural farm operation who is thinking of adding new crops, improving, or expanding their operation.

Eligibility:

• Applicants should be a current resident of North Carolina with an established independent farm operation in North Carolina.
• Grant recipients from 2025-2026 cycle must wait a year before they can submit another application.
• Farms that received 3 or more grants from NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (including RAFI and NC AgVentures) are no longer eligible.
• NC State Extension Agents, their spouses or partners are not eligible to apply for personal grants. Agents can write a Community Grant for the Extension office.
• NC State Employees are not eligible to apply for personal grants.
• One application per farm.
• Married couples, domestic partnerships, and business partners may only submit one application.

There are two grant options:

The first option is a Farmer Grant for independent family farms with an established farm operation. Some previously approved projects have included the purchase of equipment that will cut labor costs, constructing a farm store or produce packing shed, or kitchen equipment for preparing value-added products. The grant funds cannot be used to purchase land or animals.

The second grant option is a Community Grant for local, non-profit community organizations and government organizations that work with local farms. Some examples would include a Farmers Market that could use the funds to expand the market or purchase SNAP equipment for sales, a Livestock Association could use the award to purchase portable cattle handling equipment to be rented by other farmers. The grant project should directly benefit 3 or more farms.

Highlights for both grants:

• Awards up to $10,000.
• Grant awards are taxable income.
• Grant recipients provide 15% of the total project cost (cash, not in-kind).
• Grant applicants must work with an Extension Agent on the project proposals for farm grants.
• Grant recipients should have insurance that will cover the activities of the grant project.
• Grant recipients will be asked to provide two project reports that include receipts and photos to document grant project expenditures.
• All applications must be submitted through the online application submission portal.