County governments and conservation nonprofit groups in North Carolina can apply for grant funding from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund starting August 1. The program is aimed at supporting farmland preservation projects across the state.
This year, a new application format is required for all proposals. Applicants must first complete the Intent to Apply section by August 29 to be eligible to submit a full application. The final deadline for completing the application process is December 22.
“The demand for farmland preservation is at an all-time high,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Agricultural conservation easements are a great opportunity for farmers and landowners to secure the future of their farms and keep them in production for generations to come.”
Grants will be available for several purposes, including agricultural conservation easements on working farms and forests, support of public-private enterprise programs that promote profitable and sustainable agriculture, horticulture, or forestry activities, development of agricultural plans, and creation of Agricultural Growth Zones to enhance local investments in farmland preservation.
Landowners interested in preserving their farms through agricultural conservation easements must collaborate with county governments or land trusts when applying for these funds. If a grant is awarded that includes funds for purchasing conservation easement values, landowners will receive compensation for selling their development rights.
Application materials, rules, and information packets can be found online at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/farmland-preservation/applicants.
For further information about the program or assistance with applications, individuals can contact the Farmland Preservation office by phone at 919-707-3074.
