AgVentures Grant Program

The NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program is an initiative by NC State Extension that offers cost-share grants to support the diversification, expansion, and improvement of agricultural operations across North Carolina. This program, along with two others—WNC AgOptions and UMO AgPrime—provides comprehensive grant coverage across all 100 counties in the state. Each of these three programs is funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. Farmers must refer to their county’s designated program for appropriate guidelines and application access. The NC AgVentures component specifically covers a wide range of counties primarily located in central and eastern North Carolina. The NC AgVentures program supports both individual farmers and nonprofit or government community organizations through two separate grant streams. Farmer Grants are targeted at independent family farms and can be used for projects such as labor-saving equipment purchases, building a farm store or packing shed, or buying kitchen equipment for value-added production. Community Grants are designed for local nonprofit or government organizations that work with farms, supporting initiatives such as farmers markets or livestock associations with communal-use equipment. Importantly, grant funds may not be used to purchase land or animals. Each grant awards up to $8,000, and recipients are required to contribute a minimum of 15% of the total project cost in cash. Applications must be submitted online and require collaboration with a local Extension Agent. Only one application is allowed per farm, and there are restrictions on reapplying for recent recipients or those who have already received multiple grants. Ineligible applicants include NC State employees and for-profit organizations. Insurance coverage for the proposed activities is also mandatory. The application process includes four main sections: contact details, farm operation background, a detailed project description, and a budget section assessing project viability. Applicants must provide two reports over the project’s duration, documenting expenses and outcomes. A key feature of the program is its strong emphasis on collaboration with local Extension Agents, who assist in crafting and reviewing proposals. A video of a previous application workshop is available for guidance, though no current workshops or application cycles are active. The next application window will open on November 1, 2025. Evaluation criteria include the potential for increased income and employment, project feasibility, use of Extension best practices, environmental safeguards, and replicability or benefit to other regional farmers. Additional priority is given to former tobacco growers, new applicants, those deriving at least half of their income from farming, and proposals introducing innovative approaches or pilot projects. Successful applicants are expected to complete their projects within 12 months, maintain communication with Extension Agents, document expenditures, and participate in outreach efforts. The program also requires recipients to publicly acknowledge support from NC AgVentures and the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission in any promotional materials related to the project.