Working Lands Toolbox

Tools used to counter farm and forest loss in North Carolina

Click each title to learn more.

Operational in ALL North Carolina counties:

Cost Share programs - Funding to make conservation affordable for landowners.

Technical Assistance – Professional expertise provided at no charge.

Right to Farm Law – Properly operated farm and forestry operations are protected from nuisance suits.

Purchase of Development Rights – Funding in exchange for keeping land in agricultural or forestry use.

Present Use Value Taxation - Lower property tax rate based on current use of the land (agriculture, forestry, horticulture, wildlife habitat).

Agritourism - Value-added agricultural activity that provides recreational and entertaining experiences.

Operational in SOME North Carolina counties:

Voluntary Agriculture Districts - Ordinance that gives agriculture a voice at the local level by promoting agriculture, maintaining profitability, and protecting from nuisance lawsuits.

Enhanced Voluntary Agriculture Districts - Landowners are eligible for higher cost share percentage and increased non-farm products sales, with required 10-year commitment.

County Farmland Protection Plan - Describes current agricultural activity and details existing challenges and opportunities for maintaining and enhancing the farm economy.

Cost of Community Services study - COCS studies are a snapshot in time of costs versus revenues for each type of land use, based on property tax paid.

Holding and monitoring easements – Land preservation and protection through sale and/or donation of development rights to keep land in farm and forestry uses.