Chatham nonprofits urged to apply for farmland preservation grants

By Debra Henzey
Posted Friday, November 4, 2011

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Pittsboro, NC - Chatham County nonprofits interested in farmland preservation may be eligible for grants through the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland and Preservation Trust Fund, according to Brenda Williams, director of the Chatham County Soil & Water Conservation District. The deadline for submitting applications is 5 pm on December 15.

"Our office is available to help interested applicants," Williams said. She noted that the funds can be used for projects that: secure agricultural conservation easements on lands used for agricultural production; support public and private enterprise programs that promote profitable and sustainable agricultural, horticultural and forestland activities; and help develop agricultural plans.

In announcing the funding, Steve Troxler, secretary of the N.C. Department of Agriculture, noted that "the Trust Fund is intended to promote growth, development and sustainability of family farms by supporting projects that encourage preservation of qualifying agricultural, horticultural and forest lands."

Nonprofits seeking application assistance from the Chatham County Soil & Water District should call 919-542-8240. A copy of the application forms and guidelines for the 2012 funding cycle are available online at www.ncadfp.org or by calling 919-707-3071.

A total of $1.7 million for each of the next two budget years is available for the grants.