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Voluntary agricultural district board reports 20,131 acres enrolled; county discusses farmland protection and signage
Summary
The Voluntary Agricultural District board presented its annual report: 15 parcels (555 acres) added in 2024, 206 acres removed, and a program total of 20,131 enrolled acres, about 13% of the county's agricultural acreage.
The Randolph County Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) board told county commissioners on Feb. 3 that the program added 15 new parcels in 2024 (totaling 555 acres), removed 206 acres from enrollment and now covers 20,131 acres, which staff said represents roughly 13% of the county's agricultural acres.
The VAD board meets quarterly, accepts applications year-round and reported that parcels are removed for reasons including sale; staff said owners are asked whether they wish to reenroll. The VAD program includes two enrollment tracks, a more-restrictive enhanced option and a less restrictive option that allows exit without an easement; staff described the program as a step between no protection and a permanent conservation easement.
Staff and commissioners discussed signage and outreach funded by an awarded grant: new signs to mark enrolled farmland, promotional materials, and the development or update of a farmland protection plan. Commissioners noted county farmland losses in recent years and emphasized the program's role in clarifying expectations for neighbors about farming operations (e.g., sights and smells) and in GIS mapping used in site-selection and land-management decisions.
Ending
Commissioners thanked the VAD board for the report and encouraged continued outreach to preserve farmland and educate residents about agricultural operations. Staff said grant funds will support signage, promotional materials and the farmland protection plan update.
