conservation

Just before program’s 20th anniversary, NCDA&CS Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund reaches major milestone

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tractor in a field

A major milestone for the NCDA&CS Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund was reached this summer, signaling the need for and support of farmland preservation in North Carolina remains strong. On Sept. 13, 2025, the ADFP Trust Fund celebrated its 20th anniversary. Just weeks before this celebration, the program recorded its second-largest conservation easement … Read more

Farmland Preservation grant cycle open through Dec. 19.

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Summary: Farmland preservation has remained a key focus of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services due to the continuing loss of agricultural lands in the state to development. To help combat this issue, farmland preservation grants are available for agricultural conservation easements on working lands used for ag production; to support public-private enterprise … Read more

Agriculture Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund awards more than $10 million for conservation easements on 4,377 acres.

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Department conservation and land preservation efforts continue even as a recent study by the American Farmland Trust projects the state could lose over 1 million acres of farmland by 2040 if development continues at its current rate. More than $10 million was awarded for conservation easements on 4,377 acres. Today’s Topic with Southern Farm Network’s … Read more

Experience the splendor of fall in a North Carolina state forest

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Crisp air, zero humidity, leaf fall and pumpkins are all signs of the time when summer transitions to fall in North Carolina. It’s no surprise that North Carolinians and out-of-staters alike turn to the great outdoors in North Carolina this time of year. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina offers stunning fall foliage … Read more

Department funding helps save N.C. town’s economy

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Funding from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is helping protect about $12.7 million of property and business in one eastern North Carolina town. That estimate comes from the town of Oriental in Pamlico County. The project is called the Whittaker Pointe Shoreline Restoration Project, and the Department’s portion of funding was … Read more

NCDA&CS projects protect water quality in areas of development too

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Keeping North Carolina’s water clean and soil intact sounds good, but it can get pretty complex in practice. It can be a bit overwhelming if you really think about all the sources of pollution and erosion and how to reduce those problems. Fortunately, the Soil and Water Conservation Division of NCDA&CS has lots of people … Read more

News Roundup: Dec 1 – 7

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News Roundup

Each week we round up the latest N.C. agricultural headlines from news outlets across the state and country, as well as excerpts from the stories. “We waste a lot of food. These people are doing something about it.” News & Observer: Oddly shaped produce can make for a fun conversation. But most produce that doesn’t … Read more

Union County couple named Conservation Farm Family of the Year

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Scott and Lisa Baucom of Marshville were recently named the Outstanding Conservation Farm Family of 2018 by the N.C. Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The Baucoms take the initiative to implement sound, innovative, and cost-effective conservation techniques on their family farm. They have integrated several best management practices into their operations, including rotational … Read more

News Roundup: April 5 – 10

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News Roundup

Each week we round up the latest N.C. agricultural headlines from news outlets across the state and country, as well as excerpts from the stories. “STUDY: U.S. FARMLAND SHRINKING,” Southern Farm Network: A report from American Farmland Trust released Wednesday finds that between 1992 and 2012, almost 31 million acres of farmland were lost, equal to … Read more

Students compete for awards and scholarships at the “Natural Resources Olympics”

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Students from across the state competed at the 2018 North Carolina Envirothon held at Cedarock Park near Burlington over the weekend. The two-day event tests students’ knowledge and problem-solving skills in the areas of aquatics, forestry, wildlife, soil and land use, and current environmental issues. N.C. Envirothon is one of the largest events of its … Read more