The Chatham County Soil & Water District has set aside $1.7 million for each of the next two budget years for farmland preservation grants.
Chatham County nonprofits interested in farmland preservation may be eligible for these grants through the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, according to Brenda Williams, director of the Chatham County Soil & Water Conservation District. The deadline for submitting applications is 5 p.m. on Dec. 15.
Williams said 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 agriculture, horticultural and forestland activities; and help develop agricultural plans.
Nonprofits seeking assistance from the Chatham County Soil & Water District should call 542-8240. A copy of the application forms and guidelines for the 2012 funding cycle are available online at ncadfp.org or by calling 707-3071.