ADFP - Information for Applicants

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! 

Register now!
 

Important 2025 Dates At a Glance

Date

Milestone

August 1, 2025

  • Intent to Apply form opens

  • Application resources available on website

August 29, 2025

  • Intent to Apply form closes

September 8, 2025

  • Eligibility, Background, and Purpose form opens

October 20, 2025

  • Eligibility, Background, and Purpose form closes for standard conservation easement applications

November 3, 2025

  • Competitive Grant Scoring Items form opens (standard Conservation Easement applications only)

December 22, 2025

  • Competitive Grant Scoring Items form closes

  • Eligibility, Background, and Purpose form closes for Agricultural Development Projects, Agricultural Plans, and Agricultural Growth Zones