OCT 26 2021
WNC AgOptions Grant - Accepting Applications

Fall is a time for winding down, and for many growers it's also the time to reflect on the lessons of the growing season, and ways to improve next year. If your farm is hoping to expand a crop, a product or a production practice, or diversify the operation to experiment with a new venture, consider applying for grant funding through the WNC AgOptions Grant Program.

Farmers can apply for up to $4000 or $8000 in grant funding for a variety of projects encompassing enterprises with agritourism, livestock, value-added products, fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, mushrooms or alternative crops. Covered expenses can be related to production or marketing, but may not cover farmer labor, farm debt, or expenses out of the designated grant period.

For anyone interested in applying, you must reach out to your NC Cooperative Extension agent to discuss project details before the Intent to Apply deadline of November 12th. The application deadline is December 17th. The application, eligibility requirements, and other details for applicants can be found at the WNC AgOptions website.

Information Sessions for Potential Applicants
There will be an information session held on Wednesday, October 27th at the Mountain Horticultural Research & Extension Center in Mills River beginning at 5:30pm. This event can also be livestreamed on YouTube - visit www.wnccommunities.org to access the link (available Oct. 27). A recording of the session will also be posted on the AgOptions website.

Additionally, an information session for Spanish speakers will be held on November 7th at the Henderson County Extension Center. More sessions may also be added - please check the WNC AgOptions website for updates.

To RSVP for these sessions: 828/252-4783 or email agoptions@wnccommunities.org
USDA Announces Pandemic Response & Safety Grant Program

The Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant Program provides grants to specialty crop producers and processors, other select producers, meat and other processors, distributors, and farmers markets to respond to coronavirus, including for measures to protect workers against novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID–19).

The minimum funding request amount is $1,500. The maximum funding request amount is $20,000. Funding requests may range from $1,500 to $20,000. This is not a competitive grant program; grants will be awarded based on eligibility. The USDA-PRS Application Period Closes: 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 22, 2021. All applications submitted before the deadline will be considered for funding.
 
Funds will be used to issue grants for costs incurred between January 27, 2020 and December 31, 2021. Grants will cover the activities associated with:
·      Workplace Safety: Implementing workplace safety measures to protect workers
·      Provide PPE, thermometers, cleaning supplies, sanitizer, or hand washing stations
·      Installation and purchase of air filters or new signage
·      Market Pivots: Implementing market pivots to protect workers against COVID
·      Develop and implement online platforms
·      Utilize online or print materials to communicate market pivots
·      Retrofitting Facilities: Retrofitting facilities for worker and consumer safety
·      Installation and purchase of protective barriers made of plexiglass or plastic sheeting, walk up windows, heat lamps/heaters, fans, tents, propane, weights, tables, chairs and lighting
·      Transportation: Providing transportation options to protect against COVID
·      Secure additional transportation services for workers
·      Offer new delivery routes or distribution services
·      Worker Housing: Providing worker housing that protects workers against COVID
·      Secure additional housing resources/services to maintain social distancing
·      Medical: Providing health services to protect workers against COVID
·      Offer or enable vaccinations, testing, or healthcare treatment of infected employees, including any paid leave due to COVID-19 infection
 
More information about applying for the USDA-PRS can be found at:
https://usda-prs.grantsolutions.gov/usda. You can also ask further questions about this program by contacting: 301/238-5550 or usda.ams.prs@grantsolutions.gov