Agricultural Development & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund

Agriculture

Investing in the Future of Farming and Rural Communities

The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund (ADFPTF) is a statewide grant program administered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS). The program provides financial support to counties, conservation organizations, and landowners to protect working farms and forests through easements, preservation planning, and agricultural development projects. By encouraging collaboration and long-term stewardship, ADFPTF helps sustain North Carolina’s agricultural economy and rural communities for future generations.

Purpose & Goals

  • Protect prime farmland and forestland through voluntary conservation easements
  • Support the growth and diversification of agricultural enterprises
  • Encourage farmland preservation planning at county and regional levels
  • Promote sustainable management and stewardship of working lands

Who Is Eligible?

County governments, Soil & Water Conservation Districts, nonprofit conservation organizations, and other qualified entities may apply. Private landowners may also participate through voluntary easements or agreements coordinated by eligible applicants.

Types of Funded Projects

  • Conservation Easements: Permanent protection of active farmland and forestland from non-agricultural development.
  • Agricultural Plans: Development or enhancement of countywide farmland preservation plans and agricultural strategies.
  • Agricultural Development Projects: Infrastructure, marketing, processing, or agritourism investments that expand local agricultural opportunities.

Funding & Matching Requirements

Funding levels vary by project type and available state resources. Easement projects typically require matching funds from local or private partners, while planning and development projects may receive partial or full funding. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with county agencies and leverage multiple funding sources to increase project impact.

How It Works

Collaborate with your local Soil & Water Conservation District, county government, or land trust to identify farmland preservation or development opportunities. Submit a grant application outlining your project scope, goals, and matching contributions. Once approved, implement the project according to state and local guidelines to ensure lasting protection and economic benefit for working lands.

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