For the first time in over a decade, there is a new face at the head of Farmland Preservation. Evan Davis, Farmland Preservation division director, took over leadership of the division at the start of 2022 after previously serving as assistant director since 2018. Born in Davidson County, Davis grew up near High Point, taking … Read more
One look at Dewitt Hardee’s resume is enough to make your head spin. Hardee, who retired Dec. 31, has been a fixture at NCDA&CS for the entirety of his 36-year tenure. While many may know him by his most recent and longest-tenured position as Farmland Preservation Director, Hardee’s career saw him become one of the … Read more
Education and zoning laws are just a few of the ways that local leaders in North Carolina are hoping to fight farmland loss. Between 2001 and 2016, around 6.7 percent of North Carolina’s total farmland was converted into residential and commercial land. That is the second highest percentage in the country during that time, and … Read more
Since its creation in the late 1980’s the Voluntary Agricultural District program has offered counties in North Carolina a way to protect, enhance and advocate for their agricultural land and landowners. With 90 counties now part of the program in North Carolina, it’s clear that local governments across the state have recognized the value of … Read more
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.” The N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund recently awarded almost $3.3 million to help North Carolina communities protect farmland and promote agricultural enterprises. Of that total, more than $2.8 million went toward obtaining conservation easements … Read more
