farmland preservation

Farmers, landowners and stakeholders travel to Raleigh for Farmland Preservation Advocacy Day

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A group of about 150 attendees pose for a photo inside.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, NCDA&CS Farmland Preservation staff and stakeholders from across the state gathered in Raleigh on Wednesday, May 13, to highlight the importance of farmland preservation and the need for increased funding to support land conservation. Around 150 people came to show their support for North Carolina farmland and visit with their legislative … Read more

Farmland Preservation Funding Lags Amid Rapid North Carolina Growth

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tractor in a field

Listen to Commissioner Troxler speak with Southern Farm Network North Carolina is facing record growth, but state agriculture officials warn that expansion is coming at a cost: the steady loss of farmland and forestland. North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said the state’s goal is not to stop development altogether, but to slow the pace at which … Read more

Celebrating two decades of preserving agricultural land in North Carolina

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In September 2005, North Carolina took a major step toward preserving its agricultural future by establishing the Agricultural Development & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. As the trust fund marks its 20th anniversary, here’s a look back at how it started, how it has grown and what it has achieved so far. *** The concern was … Read more

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

Recognizing Wake County’s farmland preservation efforts with the Friend of Farmland Award.

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Summary: Wake County has employed a number of innovative measures focused on farmland preservation that has resulted in almost 240 acres of farmland preserved. The county, the Wake County Ag Advisory Board and the Wake County Soil & Water Conservation District was recently recognized for these efforts with a Friend of Farmland Award.   We … Read more

NC Forever Farms Program Announced

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Summary: The Farmland Preservation Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced new initiatives to celebrate farmland preservation efforts across the state. NC Forever Farms is a program that recognizes family farms that have taken the ultimate step in protecting precious working lands that are vital to the future of agriculture … Read more

Legislative ask includes $15 million for farmland preservation efforts

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Summary: With members of the legislature currently working on the budget for the next two years, Commissioner Troxler and the N.C. Department of Agriculture is going big on their request for funding for farmland preservation efforts. Today’s Topic with Southern Farm Network’s Mike Davis Two weeks ago, I spoke to the House and Senate joint … Read more

Commissioner Troxler: Farmland preservation is critical as North Carolina’s population continues to rapidly grow

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I spend a great deal of time on the road with my job. Seeing the state, particularly the areas outside of our urban centers, is something I enjoy most about my work. Seeing both the rural and urban areas serves as an excellent reminder that North Carolina is more rural than urban, but it also … 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

Evan Davis to lead Farmland Preservation division

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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