Henderson County accepts $424,571 farmland preservation grant requiring $396,974 local match

The Henderson County Board of Commissioners on March 2 unanimously approved accepting a $424,571 Agricultural Growth Zone grant from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Farmland Preservation Division) to support local farmland preservation efforts.

Angela Price, Farmland Preservation Coordinator, told the board the county applied following direction from a Farmland Preservation Taskforce created on April 1, 2024. Under the offer, the grant’s period of performance runs Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2028, and acceptance requires a local match of $396,974 that may be provided as a mix of cash and in‑kind contributions. "These funds are intended to encourage the preservation of qualifying farmland and support the growth, development, and sustainability of family farms," Price said.

Commissioner Rebecca McCall moved that the board accept the award and the associated budget amendment; the motion passed with all members voting in favor. The board previously authorized staff to pursue the Agricultural Growth Zone funding opportunity and provided a Letter of Commitment for the required match.

Chairman William Lapsley asked the board to consider further steps to support farmland preservation, including the possibility of placing a public poll or bond referendum on a future agenda after reviewing feasibility work the county commissioned. Lapsley said that one recommendation from a county‑commissioned feasibility study was to assess public appetite for a preservation bond through polling.

Next steps include executing acceptance paperwork, identifying how the $396,974 match will be satisfied (cash, in‑kind, or combination) within the county’s budget rules, and carrying out projects during the grant’s performance period. For more information, the board directed citizens to contact Angela Price at 828‑697‑4949 or aprice@hendersoncountync.gov.