NC Farmland Grants Now Open Until August 29, 2025

North Carolina --  August 4, 2025:  North Carolina's agricultural, a cornerstone of its economy and heritage, is under increasing pressure from development.

To combat this critical issue, the North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund (ADFPTF) is once again offering vital grant funding for farmland preservation projects across the state.

County governments and conservation nonprofit groups are encouraged to apply for these grants, which are administered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS).

The grants aim to secure the future of North Carolina's farming, forestry, and horticulture industries by preserving valuable working lands and supporting their sustained viability. According to Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, "The demand for farmland preservation is at an all-time high. 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."

A Critical Window for Applicants: Don't Miss the August 29th Deadline

For the current grant cycle (Cycle 19), interested applicants must act swiftly. All prospective applicants are required to complete the "Intent to Apply" section by August 29, 2025, to be eligible to submit a full application. This initial step, which opened on August 1st, is crucial for expressing interest and confirming basic programmatic eligibility.

Diverse Projects for a Sustainable Future

The ADFPTF supports a wide range of projects designed to protect and promote agricultural activity. These include:

Agricultural Conservation Easements: These legally binding agreements restrict development on land, ensuring it remains in agricultural, horticultural, or forestry production indefinitely. The Trust Fund can assist with the purchase of development rights, compensating landowners for voluntarily limiting future development.

Agricultural Development Projects: These public or public-private initiatives focus on fostering profitable and sustainable family farms. Funding can support farmers in developing and implementing plans for diverse agricultural activities, from food production and value-added products to agritourism and direct marketing.

Agricultural Plans: Grants are available for the development of crucial planning tools like Voluntary Agricultural Districts (VADs), Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural Districts (EVADs), countywide Farmland Protection Plans, and Cost of Community Services Studies. These plans help communities strategically identify and protect agricultural resources.

Local Agricultural Growth Zones (AGZs): Funding assists local governments and land trusts in acquiring easements in areas facing rapid urban and suburban expansion.

Additional Conservation Easement Purchase Funds: Provides supplemental funding for existing projects that may require additional resources due to unforeseen costs or changes.

Conservation Easement Resubmissions: Allows for eligible Cycle 18 easement submissions with minor adjustments to be reconsidered.

New Application Format and Important Dates
This year introduces a new multi-part application structure. Conservation easement applications will involve three stages: the "Intent to Apply," "Eligibility, Background, and Purpose," and "Additional Evaluation Materials." Other application types will have two stages: "Intent to Apply" and "Eligibility, Background, and Purpose."

While the "Intent to Apply" closes on August 29th, the final application section for all project types will close on December 22, 2025.

Investing in North Carolina's Agricultural Heartbeat
The benefits of farmland preservation extend far beyond the farm gate. Preserving working lands safeguards food security, supports rural economies, maintains scenic open spaces, and protects vital natural resources. North Carolina, which is projected to lose a significant amount of farmland by 2040, recognizes the urgency of these efforts.

For farmers and landowners interested in preserving their land, it is imperative to partner with an eligible county government or non-profit conservation organization to apply for these grants. These organizations serve as the primary applicants, working directly with landowners to facilitate the preservation process.

Comprehensive grant applications, rules, and detailed information packets are available online at the NCDA&CS Farmland Preservation Division website: https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/farmland-preservation/applicants.

For further inquiries regarding eligibility or the application process, after reviewing the online resources, contact Kelsey Pearce at kelsey.pearce@ncagr.gov or the Farmland Preservation office at (919) 707-3074. Assistant Director Corey Hoilman is also available for application assistance.

The North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund offers a critical opportunity to secure the state's agricultural future. Don't delay—the August 29th "Intent to Apply" deadline is fast approaching.

WNCTimes 

Image: AI Generated by WNCTimes