North Carolina Department of Agriculture Announces $51.2 Million In Farmland Preservation Grants In 44 Counties
Today, the North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund announced $51.2 million in grants to help protect farmland in 44 counties across North Carolina.
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 Republican-controlled General Assembly’s 2026-27 budget include $46.9 million in nonrecurring funding and an additional $2 million in recurring funding for the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. This was 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.”
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.
