Farmland Preservation - Information for Applicants

Q: How can I save my progress on an application?

A: Before saving, enter the email for at least the Primary contact in the “Application Contacts” section. A Secondary contact is strongly encouraged to ensure save link access.

To save, scroll to the bottom right of the form and click “Save.” A popup will appear where you can add additional emails. The save link will be sent to the Primary (and Secondary, if listed) as well as any addresses entered in the popup.

Important: Due to a software issue, emails entered only in the popup will not receive the save link unless the Primary (and, if applicable, Secondary) contacts are listed in “Application Contacts.” Please ensure at least the Primary contact is entered before saving.

Q: How will I receive the next part of the application?

A: For all applications, links to the Eligibility, Background, and Purpose portions and the Additional Evaluation Materials (for new Conservation Easement applications) will be emailed to the Primary and Secondary contacts. These links will not be available on the website. The Eligibility, Background, and Purpose application links will be sent September 8th. For Conservation Easements, the Additional Evaluation Materials links will be sent November 3rd.

Q: Can new applicants apply?

A: Yes. All applicants must be either a nonprofit conservation organization, defined in the NC Administrative Code as “any non-profit organization that provides assistance to landowners to protect their lands and can legally hold agricultural easements,” or a county government. New Applicants must complete the New Applicant Organization application. New nonprofit conservation organizations must also upload the documents listed in the New Nonprofit Conservation Organization document.

Q: Where can I find the list of questions for the conservation easement application?

A: Review the Conservation Easement Application Checklist for the full application structure and required uploads.

Q: Are all previous cycle applications eligible for a resubmission?

A: Only eligible conservation easements from the previous cycle (Cycle 18) can use the resubmission process. Applications that used the resubmission process in Cycle 18 must submit a new Conservation Easement application with all required uploads for Cycle 19. See the Conservation Easement Resubmissions Application Guidelines for details.  

Q: Is there a resubmission process for application types outside of conservation easements?  

A: No. The resubmission process is only for conservation easement applications.

Q: What if my Cycle 18 conservation easement funding status is still unknown?

A: We recommend applicants consider resubmitting eligible applications, despite the possibility that an application may be funded for Cycle 18. Please review the Conservation Easement Resubmission Application Guidelines document prior to confirming the application as a resubmission.  

Q: Do all conservation easement applications have a site visit?

A: Yes, except Conservation Easement Resubmissions, which do not require site visits.

Q: Will I need to submit a new budget during the resubmission process?

A: Yes. All resubmissions must include a new budget in the Eligibility, Background, and Purpose portion. The updated budget does not count toward the two allowable application changes.

Q: How should I prepare for my project/plan/AGZ interview?

A: Each project, plan, and AGZ application will require a panel interview as part of the review process. Applicants are encouraged to prepare a brief slide deck highlighting key deliverables and the value the proposal will bring to farming communities in the affected areas.