Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler recently recognized Dr. Richard Reich with the Friends of Farmland award for his exemplary work serving as a field staffer with Farmland Preservation. Reich served the Northwestern region of the state. The NC Friends of Farmland Award, established in 2023, is given annually to recognize the exemplary efforts of individuals and groups that advance farmland preservation efforts in North Carolina while demonstrating their dedication to fostering the growth, development and sustainability of North Carolina family farms.
“Dr. Reich was a champion of farmland preservation long before his time with the Farmland Preservation Division,” said Evan Davis, director, Farmland Preservation Division. “As a soil scientist, Dr. Reich brought his expertise to our team, elevating how we understand the critical role of soil conservation in supporting long-term land preservation. Dr. Reich’s connections across the agricultural community in North Carolina helped advance our mission and contributed directly to the rise in demand for farmland preservation. Dr. Reich made our team better, and we are grateful for his service to farmers and conservationists across the state.”
This year is the 20th anniversary of our Farmland Preservation Division. Since its beginning the division has conserved 40,000 acres through this program. “Farmland Preservation has been a priority of mine since my first day in office in 2005,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “As our state continues to welcome more people that require more infrastructure, land and resources – it is vitally important that we conserve our farmlands for farming. Dr. Reich is an invaluable resource and a wealth of agricultural knowledge and this recognition for his work with the Farmland Preservation Division is well deserved.”
Dr. Richard Reich began his career as an assistant agricultural extension agent in Lincoln County in 1976. He later joined R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., where he developed and coordinated cooperative research, extension and educational programs at land-grant universities in 14 states. In 1999, he came to work for the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, first as a director of the Agronomic Services Division and later as the assistant commissioner of agricultural services. After his retirement, Dr. Reich returned to the department in 2019 as a field staffer with Farmland Preservation. Dr. Reich retired again this past December.
The award was presented during opening ceremonies at the N.C. Mountain State Fair in Fletcher. Watch the awards presentation below.