N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund

The N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund recently awarded more than $2 million to help communities across the state protect farmland and promote agricultural enterprises, according to Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.  In total, the trust fund awarded $2,060,191 to support three agricultural plans, seven agricultural development projects and 10 perpetual conservation easements. More than 900 acres of farmland will be protected by these grants, and the total economic impact of all grants is estimated at more than $11.6 million across 40 counties.  Neighboring Alleghany County Soil and Water Conservation District received $15,000 to assist with the development and adoption of a county Farmland Protection Plan.  The New River Soil and Water Conservation District was awarded a grant of $239,700 to assist with the purchase of a perpetual conservation easement on 57.7 acres of farmland in Ashe County.   Wilkes was not included with the 40 counties that received grants.