NC AgVentures Grant Application Webinar

NC AgVentures will repeat its Farm Grant Application Overview Webinar on October 8 at noon, giving North Carolina farmers another opportunity to review eligibility, project planning, and application requirements.

Learn How to Prepare an NC AgVentures Application

North Carolina farmers considering an NC AgVentures Farm Grant can learn about the program and application process during the NC AgVentures Grant Application Webinar on November 9 at 6:30 p.m.

The online workshop helps prospective applicants understand the grant program before submitting a proposal: the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission funds NC AgVentures, an NC State Extension program. The program provides competitive cost-share grants to eligible family farms and qualifying community organizations for projects intended to increase farm income and strengthen agricultural businesses.

NC AgVentures offers three applicant webinars during the 2026 grant cycle, including the November 9 session. NC AgVentures says each webinar will cover the same information, so farmers can choose the session that best fits their schedules.

Grants of Up to $10,000 Available

NC AgVentures offers awards of up to $10,000. Eligible farm applicants must operate an established, independent North Carolina farm that has generated revenue for at least one year.

Farm projects may include efforts to add new crops, increase efficiency, expand production, develop new markets, or add infrastructure that can improve profitability. Previous projects have included greenhouses, farm stores, packing facilities, labor-saving equipment, and equipment for value-added production. Applicants cannot use grant funds to purchase land or animals.

Recipients must contribute at least 15% of the total project cost in cash. For example, a farmer requesting grant funding must develop a total project budget large enough to include that required contribution.

The program also offers Community Grants for nonprofit organizations, cooperatives, and government organizations whose projects directly benefit at least three farms.

Extension Agents Play a Role

Farm applicants must work with an N.C. Cooperative Extension agent on their proposals.

NC AgVentures encourages applicants to contact their Extension agent early and requires applicants to contact an agent by December 1 to schedule time to discuss the proposed project and review the application. Farmers who do not already work closely with an Extension agent can contact their local Extension office for assistance.

The webinar can help applicants understand what information they should begin gathering before that consultation.

The application includes sections covering farm and contact information, the proposed project, project viability, and the budget. Reviewers consider factors such as whether the project can increase farm income, improve efficiency, create or maintain employment, introduce a new opportunity, and become financially sustainable.

Application Window Opens October 15

NC AgVentures will begin accepting applications October 15. The deadline is December 15 at 6 p.m., but applicants should not assume they can wait until the deadline.

The program will accept up to 200 applications for the 2026 cycle. If 200 completed applications arrive before December 15, the online portal will close early. Each farm may submit only one application.

For Appalachian Highlands Farmers Magazine readers, eligibility depends on location. NC AgVentures serves several counties within or near the magazine’s North Carolina coverage area, including Alleghany, Ashe, Surry, Wilkes, and Yadkin counties. Many western North Carolina counties are instead served by the separate WNC AgOptions program. Farmers should verify which grant program covers their county before applying.

Advance registration is required for the November 9 webinar through NC AgVentures.

Read our full-length articles about educational and grant opportunities here!