ROCKINGHAM — A new program providing grants to North Carolina farmers for new and innovative ideas that increase farm profits is being launched by the University of Mount Olive’s Lois G. Britt Agricultural Center.
AgPrime, which is funded by the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, is designed to strengthen farms and communities affected by changes in the tobacco economy. University of Mount Olive AgPrime grants are available to farmers in Richmond, Cumberland, Lee, Moore and Robeson counties.
Funding proposals up to $10,000 will be considered for farmers who are agriculturally dependent and who have viable ideas for new and innovative agricultural projects. Priority will be given to applicants who earn at least 50 percent of their personal income from their farm operation or agribusiness entity, and to current and former tobacco farmers or former quota holders.
Dr. Sandy Maddox, director of the UMO Agricultural Center, encourages farmers in the targeted counties to apply for funding.
“This program is designed to help farmers test creative ideas, implement new marketing strategies and keep more profit closer to the farm gate,” Maddox said. “We are excited to partner with the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission to bring this important program to the farmers in Cumberland, Lee, Moore, Richmond and Robeson counties.”
The grant application cycle opens April 15 and closes on June 1. Richmond County producers may contact the Richmond County Cooperative Extension for assistance in completing the application at 910-997-8255.
For more information, go to www.umoag.com/AgPrime or contact Dr. Stan Dixon at 252-526-1587.