2027 Intent to Apply

JavaScript isn't enabled in your browser, so this file can't be opened. Enable and reload.

Thank you for your interest in the WNC AgOptions grant program. With support from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, the WNC Agricultural Options program builds sustainable farming communities in our mountain region by providing resources directly to farmers who are diversifying and expanding their operations.

We recognize that many farm operations across Western North Carolina have been significantly impacted by recent natural disasters. However, WNC AgOptions grant funds may not be used to cover expenses that are directly related to disaster recovery. AgOptions remains focused on funding strategic investments that promote farm diversification and long-term sustainability, rather than emergency response or recovery costs.

To apply for the WNC AgOptions grant, you are required to partner with your local N.C. Cooperative Extension agent. To comply with the Intent to Apply deadline, take the following steps:

1. Contact your county N.C. Cooperative Extension agent to discuss your ideas for your proposed project by the Intent to Apply deadline, which is October 9, 2026. Contact information for the county centers in the West District can be found at https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/nc-cooperative-extension-district-map. If you have difficulty reaching an agent at your local Extension office, contact us for assistance at 828-252-4783.

2. After speaking with your Extension agent, fill out the form below by October 9, 2026.

Applicants who do not meet the Intent to Apply deadline may not receive all possible points in the review process.

Do not fill out this form unless you have already spoken with your agent. For questions about this form, please call 828-252-4783.

Have you spoken to your NC Cooperative Extension agent about applying for the 2027 WNC AgOptions grant? If no, stop here and contact your agent. Once you have spoken to your agent, fill out this form by October 9, 2026. *

Yes

No. Stop here and contact your agent. Do not fill out this form until you have spoken to your Extension agent.

Required

APPLICANT INFORMATION

First name *

Last name *

In which county do you reside? If you farm in a county covered by WNC AgOptions but live in a neighboring county not listed here, please call 828-252-4783 to discuss your situation. *

Email address *

Phone number in format xxx-xxx-xxxx *

May we use the phone number you provided to send you text message updates about upcoming program deadlines? Your contact information will not be shared outside of the WNC AgOptions program for any reason. *

Yes – I consent to receive text messages from WNC Communities regarding this grant application and, if awarded, grant administration. These messages may include application updates, requests for additional information, deadlines, award notifications, reporting reminders, and other grant-related communications. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out at any time or HELP for assistance. Consent is not required to apply for or receive grant funding.

No – I do not wish to receive text messages. I understand that WNC Communities will communicate with me by email or other available methods.

Farm Name *

County or area in which project is located *

COOPERATING AGENT

The Intent to Apply deadline helps Extension agents manage their schedules to have time to work with farmers in their counties that would like to apply for the WNC AgOptions grant. You MUST contact your Extension agent by October 9, 2026 so you can discuss ideas for your project. Applicants who do not meet the Intent to Apply deadline may not receive all possible points in the review process.

Who is the N.C. Cooperative Extension agent that is partnering with you on your project? *

What date did you discuss your project with your agent? *

YYYY

You don't have to commit to a particular project at this time but please give a brief summary of the project(s) are you considering applying for. *

How did you find out about WNC AgOptions? *

I certify that I have spoken to my N.C. Cooperative Extension agent about my intent to apply for the 2027 WNC AgOptions grant and that all the information in this form is true. *

Yes

Confirmation and Next Steps

After you submit this form, we will contact you the week of October 12 with detailed instructions on how to apply and notify you of upcoming deadlines. This will be the same information included in the grant guidelines attached to the application and posted on the WNC AgOptions website.

Due to the prevalence of incorrect and out-of-date information that result from Internet searches and the use of AI tools, we encourage you to navigate directly to the WNC AgOptions website for the most current information about the grant cycle.

WHEN FINISHED CLICK SUBMIT

Your reponse will not be collected unless you click the Submit button below.

Submit

Clear form

Never submit passwords through Google Forms.

This form was created inside of WNC Communities.

Does this form look suspicious? Report

Forms