Press release here:
Grants totaling $225,000 are available to Western North Carolina farmers who are diversifying or expanding their operations in 2010. WNC Agricultural Options will award approximately 45 farmers in 17 counties and the Cherokee Reservation $3,000, $6,000 or $9,000 each.
Interested applicants should can download an application at www.wncagoptions.org. The postmark deadline for applications is Jan. 8.
Projects should aim at increasing the sale of farm products and lead to the long-term sustainability of the farm business. Funded projects include: a germination chamber for vegetable and flower starts, a refrigeration truck for transporting lettuce, and materials for hops production.