Notes For Applicants
Cycle 19 General Information
The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund application process has changed. All Cycle 19 applications will now follow a multi-part structure with two required components and deadlines: the Intent to Apply and the Eligibility, Background, and Purpose. Conservation Easement Applications will include a third part: Competitive Grant Scoring Items.
To support applicants through this revised process, we strongly encourage attending the Cycle 19 ADFP Application Overview & Guidance for Applicants webinar on July 31. Can’t join us live? A recording and summary of frequently asked questions will be available on this page following the event.
If you have questions about eligibility and the application process after reviewing the documentation provided in the tabs at the bottom of the page, please contact Kelsey Pearce via email at kelsey.pearce@ncagr.gov.
Please note: All applicants for conservation easements, agricultural development projects, and agricultural plans must be non-profit conservation organizations or county agencies, per N.C.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.
No Beehive Grant Fund applications will be accepted this year. For apiary-related questions, contact the Apiary Services section of the Plant Industry Division.
Upcoming Webinar — Cycle 19 ADFP Application Overview & Guidance for Applicants
The NCDA&CS Farmland Preservation Division invites you to attend an informational webinar to support your Cycle 19 ADFP Trust Fund application.
This session on Thursday, July 31 at 10 AM will provide details on the updated multi-part application process and key deadlines, offer tips for navigating the form system, and share strategies for managing multiple applications.
We’ll cover all application types, including:
• New Conservation Easements
• Conservation Easement Resubmissions
• Agricultural Development Projects
• Agricultural Plans
• Agricultural Growth Zones (AGZs)
• Additional Funds
This webinar is intended for applicants only. We encourage applicants to submit questions during registration. Can’t attend live? A recording and summary of frequently asked questions will be posted here following the event.
We hope to see you there!
Important 2025 Dates At a Glance
Date | Milestone |
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August 1, 2025 |
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August 29, 2025 |
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September 8, 2025 |
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October 20, 2025 |
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November 3, 2025 |
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December 22, 2025 |
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Application Documents
NC ADFP Trust Fund Application Guidelines
NC ADFP Trust Fund Policy and Guidelines
2024 NC County Tier Designations
Conservation Easement Application Checklist
Conservation Easement Application Budget Instructions
PUV Conservation Easement Program Guidelines
ADFPTF Conservation Easement Cost Averages 2020 – 2024
Conservation Easement Budget Worksheet (MS Excel file)
PUV Conservation Easement Program Worksheet (MS Excel file)
Conservation Easement Application Scoring Rubric (MS Excel file)
Landowner Pledge, Authorization and Acknowledgement Form
Option to Purchase an ADFP Agricultural Conservation Easement