Direct to Farmer Grant
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Frequently Asked Questions1. I'm having trouble downloading the application/letter of intent. Where else can I find the application?
Applications are also available at your County Extension office. 2. Is the Intent to Apply form mandatory? Yes. This allows us to track who is applying, for how much, and general project descriptions 3. Is working with a Cooperative Extension agent mandatory? Yes. This is to ensure the success of your project and help build the relationships between farmers and their County Cooperative Extension. 4. Who will be reviewing the applications? The applications will go through a point system review by a group of regional agricultural consultants and then their recommendations will be reviewed by the Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture Board to determine the awardees. 5. Can someone apply for both BRWIA and AgOptions grants (Watauga)? Yes, however BRWIA will not fund a project funded if it is funded by AgOptions, unless it is a different proposed project proposal. 6. What are the requirements if I am selected for an award? Awardees follow through with timeline and project activities as stated in their submitted application. Cooperative Extension Agent and a Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture Project Manager will visit each of the farms throughout the season to discuss progress on the project and assist with technical and marketing questions. All awardees are required to attend two half-day sessions which include an orientation workshop on a date to be determined in order to receive their first allocation. Recipients are also required to submit income and expense forms, receipts for project expenses, and program surveys at the end of the funding cycle. 7. Who do I contact to market my product? Refer to a list of resources that WNC AgOptions have developed for the Western NC region and the state. http://www.wncagoptions.org/links-resources/ 8. Who can assist me with a business plan? Refer to a list of resources that WNC AgOptions has developed for the Western NC region and the state.http://www.wncagoptions.org/links-resources/ Ascent Business Network is also a valuable local resource: www.ascentbusinessnetwork.com/ 9. Who can help me with agritourism? Contact Martha Glass, NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Sciences Markets Division – Agritourism Office, at (919) 733-7887 x276 or Martha.Glass@ncmail.net. Please also see: www.ncagr.com/agritourism. |