ADFP - Information for Applicants

Aerial view of two farm machines harvesting grain

Cycle 19 Conservation Easements Application

Ready to apply for a conservation easement on behalf of a landowner? Be sure to review the guidelines and documents available August 1 at the bottom of this page — strong applications take time and coordination.

Intent to Apply period opens Aug. 1

Cycle 19 Agricultural Development Projects Application

Have an idea that could benefit your local agricultural community? Funding for public-facing agricultural development projects opens August 1 — check back then for the application and supporting materials.

Intent to Apply period opens Aug. 1

A small gate crosses the entrance to the farm

Cycle 19 Agricultural Plans Application

Strong planning builds strong agricultural communities. Grant funding to support Farmland Protection Plans, Cost of Community Services Studies, or expand Voluntary Agricultural District-related programming efforts opens August 1 — check back then for the application and materials.

Intent to Apply period opens Aug. 1

Cycle 19 Additional Conservation Easement Purchase Funds Application

Projects still under contract with current ADFP Trust Fund requests below 50% of the easement value may be eligible for additional funding to help offset the loss of anticipated partner funding or rising appraisal costs. Applications for the competitive process open August 1 — check back then for the application and materials.

Intent to Apply period opens Aug. 1

Cycle 19 Local Agricultural Growth Zones Application

Agricultural Growth Zone grants help local governments and land trusts combat urban sprawl by securing easements in areas facing rapid development. The application opens August 1 — check back then for the application and materials.

Intent to Apply period opens Aug. 1

Cycle 19 Conservation Easement Resubmission

Applicants with eligible Cycle 18 easement submissions may resubmit for consideration in Cycle 19 through a shortened application process — limited to two or fewer changes per application. Resubmissions will be scored alongside new Cycle 19 applications and are not part of a separate process. Invitations to apply will be emailed directly to primary and secondary contacts on August 1. Additional details and documentation will be available here on that date.

Intent to Apply period opens Aug. 1

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
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