Agricultural projects may qualify for grant

If your county is seeking funding to expand your farmer's markets, begin a drought response initiative, build a value-added processing facility, or begin or expand another agriculture-related project, grant help may be available through the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (NCTTFC).

The NCTTFC has announced a new grant cycle for 2010. The application period ends Dec. 4, 2009, and grant awards will be announced by May 1, 2010.

The NCTTFC was created by the N.C. General Assembly to assist tobacco farmers, tobacco quota holders, persons engaged in tobacco-related businesses, individuals displaced from tobacco-related employment, and tobacco product component businesses in the state due to the adverse effects of the Master Settlement Agreement. Since 2000, the NCTTFC has awarded more than 130 grant projects with about $70 million in expenditures to a variety of farm organizations, local and state government agencies, commodity groups, nonprofits and others.

Traditional funding priorities have focused on community and economic development, farm diversification, skill and resource development and increasing farm income. Emphasis is placed on projects that will benefit the agricultural community and increase farm income. Strong regional projects affecting a high number of people are considered.

To access the grant application and guidelines and/or view past winning projects, visit www.tobaccotrustfund.org/grants/index.htm.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the NCTTFC and discuss their particular project before going through the grant application process. If you are considering applying for a grant, contact Program Officer Jeff Jennings at (919) 733-2160.