AgVentures Farm Grant Program aids local initiatives

Published on October 28, 2025

Independent family farms in Cabarrus County are now eligible to apply for the NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program. A minimum of 50 grants will be awarded statewide.  

The program’s goal is to fund the expansion of local North Carolina farm operations, increasing profitability and sustainability. 

“AgVentures Grants are excellent opportunities for local farmers to get support for small improvements that make a big impact in the community,” said County Extension Director Tracy LeCompte.

Use of the grant money is limited only by the applicant’s imagination, LeCompte said. Examples include projects like a new walk-in fridge to handle more produce or a drone that maps out fields for aerial chemical application, she said.  

The program, funded by the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission through the NC State Extension, awards up to $10,000 per project.  

The grant covers 90% of a project’s funds. The recipient is responsible for the other 10%.

In recent years, Cabarrus farmers have received the grant, which has “greatly impacted the community and allowed for increased food access” LeCompte said.  

“Cabarrus County continues to have a strong pool of candidates, and our Extension staff will work alongside these applicants to make their applications the strongest possible,” she added.

Those interested can attend online workshops from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on November 10 and November 24. Applications are due December 19 at 6 p.m. 

To learn more, visit www.ncagventures.org or call the Cabarrus Cooperative Extension office at 704-920-3310.