Grants to help famers offset the risk of trying something new are available through the WNC Agricultural Options program, which will distribute $178,000 in the 2016 grant cycle.

A series of informational meetings across the region includes:

• 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Swain County Extension Center in Bryson City.
• 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Jackson County Extension Center in Sylva.

An October meeting will also be scheduled in Murphy. Since 2004, WNC Agricultural Options — funded by the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission — has awarded nearly $2 million to farmers in the 21 western counties, through mini-grants of $3,000 and $6,000. 

“The WNC AgOptions program is an excellent example of grant funds providing direct support to those who need it most,” said Ross Young, Madison County Extension Director and WNC AgOptions steering committee leader. “Our farmers are arguably the most important people in our society.”

Previous projects have run the gamut from helping farmers get started raising broiler turkeys to pick-your own berry operations to new grazing techniques.

The nonprofit WNC Communities administers the grant. Applicants should set up an appointment with the Cooperative Extension office in their county by Oct. 16. Applications are at www.wncagoptions.org.