Notes For Applicants
Cycle 20 General Information
- Similar to Cycle 19, all Cycle 20 applications will follow a multi-part structure. Conservation Easement applications will have three application portions – Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. All other applications will have two application portions – Part 1 and Part 2. Failure to complete each application portion by its deadline will result in the application being ineligible. Partially completed applications will not be accepted. Please refer to the Important Cycle 20 Dates at a Glance chart below for information on the deadlines associated with each application portion.
- 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.
- The Conservation Easement Resubmission process will not be used in Cycle 20. Applicants proposing an easement area previously submitted to the Trust Fund must complete a full Conservation Easement application. These applications will follow the standard Conservation Easement application process and policies.
- No Beehive Grant Fund applications will be accepted this year. For apiary-related questions, contact the Apiary Services section of the Plant Industry Division.
Important Cycle 20 Dates At a Glance
Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| August 3, 2026 | Part 1 Forms Opens |
| August 31, 2026 | Part 1 Forms Closes |
September 14, 2026 | Part 2 Forms Opens |
| October 19, 2026 | Part 2 Forms Closes (Conservation Easement applications only) |
| November 2, 2026 | Part 3 Forms Opens (Conservation Easement applications only) |
| December 21, 2026 | Part 3 Form Closes (Conservation Easement applications only) Part 2 Form Closes (All other application types) |
Cycle 20 Application Documents - Under Construction
NC ADFP Trust Fund Policy and Guidelines
Conservation Easements Application Guidelines
2025 NC County Tier Designations
Conservation Easement Application Checklist
ADFPTF Conservation Easement Cost Averages 2025
Conservation Easement Budget Worksheet (MS Excel file)
Landowner Authorization Form
Landowner Acknowledgement Form
Sample Landowner Engagement Letter
Required Documentation for New Nonprofit Conservation Organizations
NC ADFP Trust Fund Policy and Guidelines
Agricultural Development Projects Application Guidelines
Agricultural Development Project Budget Worksheet
Required Documentation for New Nonprofit Conservation Organizations
NC ADFP Trust Fund Policy and Guidelines
Agricultural Plans Application Guidelines
Agricultural Plans Budget Worksheet
NC ADFP Trust Fund Policy and Guidelines
Additional Conservation Easement Purchase Funds Application Guidelines
Additional Conservation Easement Purchase Funds Budget Worksheet
NC ADFP Trust Fund Policy and Guidelines
Local Agricultural Growth Zones Information Packet
Local Agricultural Growth Zone Budget Template
NC ADFP Trust Fund Policy and Guidelines
Conservation Easement Resubmissions Application Guidelines
Conservation Easement Resubmissions Budget Worksheet - Standard Appraisal