North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
AddressNorth Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund
2 West Edenton Street,
Raleigh, NC 27601
Details
Programs
- Environmental Quality, Protection, and Beautification
- Food, Agriculture, and Nutrition
Maximum Grant Amountnot specified
DeadlineDecember 18, 2023
Description
County governments and nonprofit groups pursuing farmland preservation projects can apply for funding assistance from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund.
The trust fund’s purpose is to support projects that encourage the preservation of qualifying agricultural, horticultural and forest lands to foster the growth, development and sustainability of family farms.
Grants can be awarded to secure agricultural conservation easements on lands used for agricultural production; to support public and private enterprise programs that promote profitable and sustainable agricultural, horticultural and forestland activities; and for the development of agricultural plans.
Please refer to the guidelines for more details regarding allowable expenses, grant amounts, and match requirements.
Eligibility
- All applicants must be non-profit conservation organizations or county agencies. (G.S.106-744)
- Farmers, landowners, and others interested in applying must partner with a non-profit conservation organization or county agency to participate in an ADFP Trust Fund grant proposal.
- Agricultural Plan grants are limited to requests that develop a Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) or Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District (EVAD) program, a County Farmland Protection Plan, or a County Cost of Community Services Study.
- Must have a Conservation plan if the farm has a highly erodible land (HEL) classification and a forestry plan if there is more than 20 acres of timber.
- For conservation easements, the property must be privately-owned, located within the borders of the State of North Carolina, and in working lands use (agriculture, horticulture, forestry). Minimum acreage requirements should follow the present-use value guidelines: Five acres for horticulture, 10 acres for agriculture (row crops or pasture), 20 acres for forestry, or a combination of working lands use. If there are existing easements that have removed the development rights from the property, those easement areas will be ineligible for the program.
Grant information was last reviewed by our staff on 10/19/2023
Application Link
Go directly to guidelines and application