Old North News

The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund will hold an advisory committee meeting on February 18 at 2 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Hall of Fame Room, Agriculture Building, located at 2 W. Edenton St., Raleigh. For those unable to attend in person, the public can join via conference call using the number 984-204-1487 with the conference ID 225 170 697.

During this meeting, several key topics will be addressed. These include reviewing the trust fund budget and open grantee contracts, hearing reports on open conservation easement projects, county program maps and updates, grant monitoring and stewardship updates, as well as an easement status report involving recent and upcoming closings. Additionally, there will be program updates regarding the program calendar, rules, local partnerships, and federal partnerships with both the military and USDA. An update on Cycle 18 grant applications is also on the agenda.

The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund plays a crucial role in supporting farming, forestry, and horticulture communities within the agriculture industry. It achieves this by purchasing agricultural conservation easements and funding programs that promote profitable and sustainable family farms. The fund also provides financial support for conservation easements focused on active production of food, fiber, and other agricultural products.