Source:  NCDA&CS, 10/23/14

County governments and nonprofit groups pursuing farmland preservation projects have until Dec. 19 to apply for funding assistance from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. This year’s request for proposals includes statewide general appropriations and $1 million for military base and training buffers.

The statewide general appropriations are anticipated future appropriations in the 2015-2017 biennium budget. The military buffer funds are from the 2014-2015 budget and must be contracted and encumbered by June 15, 2015. The military buffer funds must be matched with federal dollars on an equal or greater basis.

“Our new partnership with the military will protect and enhance the top two economic sectors in North Carolina: agriculture and the military,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

The fund’s purpose is to support projects that encourage the preservation of qualifying agricultural, horticultural and forest lands to foster the growth, development and sustainability of family farms.

Grants can be awarded to secure agricultural conservation easements on lands used for agricultural production; to support public and private enterprise programs that promote profitable and sustainable agricultural, horticultural and forestland activities; and for the development of agricultural plans.

The grant application and guidelines for the current funding cycle are available at www.ncadfp.org/CycleVIII.htm. Call 919-707-3071 with any questions. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Dec. 19.