A federal grant could help Scotland farmers stay in agriculture and develop new sources of income.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International -USA has announced demonstration cost-share grants for producers through the Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund.

The goal of the fund is to keep farmers in farming and assist producers in developing new sources of agricultural income through provision of cost-share grants. Qualifying producers must be farmers who are actively engaged in full or part-time farming. Eligible projects are those that include the following:

* Have a likelihood of generating new farm income

* Establish new markets for local products and services

* Develop new uses for greenhouses

* Add value to existing farm products by processing, packaging, or marketing in a special way

* Make new use of tobacco facilities and equipment

* Maintain or create quality employment, including self-employment or opportunities for home-based businesses

* Make optimal use of on-farm and natural resources

Priority is given to farmers who earned a significant portion of their income from tobacco at the time of the Master Settlement Agreement of 1997-1998 and to projects that create an opportunity for a new generation of farmers. The Reinvestment Fund will make Producer Grant Awards of up to $10,000 available for individuals. The deadline for applications is November 11, 2009.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center, will host a workshop on August 24 at 7 p.m. at the O. P. Owens Agriculture Center, Highway 72 West, in Lumberton for persons interested in applying for one of the grants. According to Nelson Brownlee, area farm management agent with Cooperative Extension, Jason Roehrig, program manager with RAFI-USA, will be here to answer any questions you have.

For information on the grants or to register for the workshop, please contact Cooperative Extension at 671-3276. For accommodations for persons with disabilities, contact Cooperative Extension at 671-3276 no later than Monday, August 17.