Farmland preservation grants offered; deadline is Dec. 15

County governments and non-profit groups pursuing farmland preservation projects can apply for funding assistance from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced.

Applications and guidelines for the 2011 funding cycle are available online at www.ncadfp.org or by calling (919) 707-3071. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Dec. 15.

The General Assembly appropriated $2 million to the trust fund for the 2010-11 fiscal year.

"The trust fund supports projects that encourage the preservation of qualifying agricultural, horticultural and forest lands," Troxler said. "The goal is to cultivate the growth, development and sustainability of family farms."
Grants can be awarded to secure agricultural conservation easements on lands used for agricultural production; to support public and private enterprise programs that promote profitable and sustainable agricultural, horticultural and forestland activities; and for the development of agricultural plans.