The N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund has awarded $51.2 million in grants to help protect working farms and forests and support North Carolina’s agricultural economy.
Grants were awarded to farms and projects in Alamance, Anson, Avery, Bladen, Brunswick, Cabarrus, Camden, Chatham, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Davie, Duplin, Franklin, Guilford, Harnett, Haywood, Iredell, Johnston, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, Martin, Mitchell, Onslow, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Rutherford, Surry, Transylvania, Tyrrell, Union, Wake, Watauga, Wayne and Wilkes counties.
“I want to sincerely thank the General Assembly for its historic investment in farmland preservation and for recognizing the importance of protecting the land that sustains us,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This support will make a significant, lasting difference for farm families and rural communities across North Carolina. We are grateful for the opportunity to help more landowners protect their farms and preserve the resources future generations will need to produce food and fiber.”
The General Assembly’s 2026-27 budget included $46.9 million in nonrecurring funding and an additional $2 million in recurring funding for the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, the largest single-year investment in the program’s history.
Agricultural conservation easements provide a voluntary way for landowners to protect their working lands. Preserving these farms and forests helps maintain the land base needed for agricultural production and supports the rural communities and businesses that depend on it.
“I also appreciate the farmers, landowners, county governments, soil and water conservation districts, and land trusts that supported this cause during our Farmland Preservation Advocacy Day in May,” said Troxler. “Without the farmer and local support, there is no farmland preservation.”
While the awards represent a significant investment in farmland preservation, applicants for the current grant cycle should not assume the same level of funding will be available. Funding levels can vary, and awards will depend on the resources available for that cycle.
“We are thankful for this historic support, but demand for farmland preservation remains high,” Troxler said. “We will continue working with the General Assembly and our partners to keep farmland preservation a priority.”
The ADFP Trust Fund provides grants to county governments and nonprofit organizations for agricultural conservation easements, agricultural development projects, agricultural plans and Agricultural Growth Zones. Farmers, landowners, and others interested in applying must partner with a qualified nonprofit conservation organization or county government to participate in an ADFP Trust Fund grant proposal.
For the complete list of grant awards, visit the NCDA&CS Farmland Preservation Division website at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/farmland-preservation/history/cycle-19.
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