NC Cooperative Extension is pleased to announce the availability of cost-share grants of up to $10,000 for individual farmers and up to $30,000 for farmer groups.
Through its Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund, the Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA) is offering close to $2 million in cost-share grants for individual farmers and for farmer groups. The funding provides cost-share support for farmers’ to try new production, marketing, and processing strategies in order to earn more income on the farm.
Deadline for applicants in the Western Piedmont Region is December 20, 2010. The application process is competitive. High priority will be given to innovative projects which show a new direction or opportunity in farming. All farmers who make an income from agriculture are eligible to apply.
RAFI-USA is offering “How to apply” workshops across North Carolina through November.
The purpose of the workshops is to help potential applicants understand the application guidelines and process. The workshops also give farmers some face time to get specific questions about their projects answered. Cleveland County’s workshop is scheduled for 6 PM on Wednesday, October 13 at the County Extension Center, located in the County Office Building, 130 S. Post Road in Shelby.
RAFI’s Western Piedmont field coordinator Francesca Hyatt will be conducting the workshop, and is available to answer questions and provide guidance to applicants. Ms. Hyatt can be reached by phone at (919) 323-7587 or via Email at francesca@rafiusa.org.
Potential applicants are encouraged to begin working on their grant applications prior to the workshop. Application forms are available through the Cleveland County Extension Center or online at www.ncfarmgrants.org. |
