AgPrime Instructions

2026 UMO AgPrime
Grant Opportunity for Individual Farm Operations (2026)

University of Mount Olive AgPrime provides grants to North Carolina farmers for new and innovative agricultural project ideas that will increase farm profits. This grant program, which is supported by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, was designed to strengthen farms and communities that were negatively impacted by the downturn of the tobacco economy. UMO AgPrime Grants are available in the following counties: Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Gates, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Moore, Montgomery, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pender, Richmond, Robeson, Scotland, Tyrrell and Washington. (To learn more about the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (NCTTFC) please visit: http://tobaccotrustfund.org/)
Grant Awards
Funding proposals up to $10,000 will be considered.
Who is eligible?
North Carolina residents, in the eligible counties, who are agriculturally dependent and who have viable ideas for new and innovative agricultural projects are eligible.
While not required, priority will be given to applicants who:
·Earn at least 50% of their personal income from their farm operation or agribusiness entity.
·Present new and innovative agricultural project ideas that are viable and will increase farm profits.
·Are current or former tobacco growers or former quota holders.
·Have not received grant funds from NCTTFC or other NCTTFC-supported organizations.
Grant proposal criteria (It’s not necessary for applicants to meet all criteria to receive a grant.)
·Does the project benefit current or past tobacco growers?
·Will the project increase income?
·Will the project increase or maintain employment opportunities?
·Has the proposal been adequately researched?
·Is the budget realistic?
·Does the applicant have the skills to complete the project or have they identified technical assistance to help them implement a successful project?
·Does the applicant present a new direction or innovative opportunity to diversify, expand or implement new entrepreneurial plans for their farm operations?
·Will the project become self-supporting or enhance your ability to keep farming?
·Does the project maintain or increase the number of acres used for production?
Grant winners will be required to:
·Provide a minimum of 10% of the total grant award as a cash match
·Provide at least one reference letter of support with the application (FSA, NRCS/SWC, NCDA&CS, Cooperative Extension or other appropriate agriculture entity)
·Attend a grant orientation and workshop
·Submit an Interim and a Final Report, plus copies of receipts for project expenditures
·Keep accurate production and financial records on the project and supply a copy of those records at the completion of the project
·Consult with UMO Project Personnel about the grant project in November-December 2025.
·Accommodate farm visits from UMO personnel during the grant year
·Complete final income and expense reports of project results, plus a survey that provides feedback about the program and results of the project
·Allow University of Mount Olive project personnel to include the recipients’ projects in public relations, outreach, demonstration and educational events or publications in 2026 or future years
·Complete the project by October 1, 2026.
·Plan a public education event or project demonstration to share what was learned with other farmers
Recipients will recognize UMO AgPrime and the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission as the funders/supporters of the project in all marketing/advertising materials used to promote the project (UMO AgPrime will provide appropriate logos and usage guide).

How are the applications reviewed?
The UMO AgPrime review panel will include University of Mount Olive employees and other experts who are familiar with agriculture, agribusiness, entrepreneurship and the local area. Applications will be ranked according to a numerical scoring system that evaluates the strength of the project to meet the grant criteria. Proposals will be read and scored by a reviewer panel.
Applications
Applicants should consult with UMO project personnel about their project proposal. Applications must be accompanied by at least one letter of support from qualified agriculture agencies.

The deadline for submitting applications is 5:00pm on December 15, 2025.

Please contact University of Mount Olive project personnel if you have problems with the application format or have additional questions.
University of Mount Olive Project Personnel:

Dr. Stan Dixon                                   
William.Dixon@umo.edu                             
252-526-1587                                                    

Mr. Ed Emory                                     Mr. Edward Olive              
semory@umo.edu                                         eolive@umo.edu
910-290-1002                                                  919-658-7510
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