Farmland preservation grants available
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County governments and conservation nonprofit groups may apply for grant funding from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund for farmland preservation projects.
A new application format for all grant proposals is required this year. All interested applicants must complete the Intent to Apply section by Aug. 29 to be eligible to complete the full application.
Grants are available for agricultural conservation easements on working farms and forests; to support public-private enterprise programs that promote profitable and sustainable agricultural, horticultural and forestland activities; to develop agricultural plans and to create Agricultural Growth Zones that enhance local investments in farmland preservation.
Landowners interested in preserving their farms through agricultural conservation easements must work with county governments or land trusts to apply for grant funds. If awarded a grant in which the application requests funds for the conservation easement purchase value, landowners will be compensated for the purchase of the development rights.
Grant applications, rules and information packets are available online at ncagr.gov/divisions/farmland-preservation/applicants. The final application section closes Dec. 22. For more information, call the Farmland Preservation office at 919.707.3074.
