NC FarmLink efforts are enhanced by programs that support Ag Conservation Easements on suitable farmland. The easements involve the sale of the development 'rights' of the land but allow viable farm activities to continue into the future. Funds used from the sale can be used for farm improvements, enterprise enhancements, or financial needs of the landowner.

One of the agencies that supports conservation easements in NC is the NC Agricultural Development & Farmland Preservation  (ADFP) Trust Fund that was established in March 2005 by the NC General Assembly.  The purpose of the fund is to support the farming, forestry, and horticulture communities within the agriculture industry by 1) Supporting the purchase of agricultural conservation easements (on farm, forest, and horticulture lands), including transaction costs; and 2) Funding public and private enterprise programs that will promote profitable and sustainable family farms through assistance to farmers in developing and implementing plans for the production of food, fiber, and value-added products, agritourism activities, marketing and sales of agricultural products produced on the farm, and other agriculturally related business activities. ADFP works with other agencies, including land conservancy groups and local soil & water conservation districts that work to implement the conservation easements on a local county and regional level.

If you are a landowner, seeking more information about options regarding stewardship of your farmland, kindly reach out to us.  We can share resources with you and discuss your options. Also consider visiting our webpage on Farmland Transition & Legacy Planning that includes links to other online resources and agencies that support farmland stewardship.

Read more about the ADFP Trust Fund awards to counties across North Carolina in this press release from Steve Troxler, NC Commissioner of Agriculture.