Working Lands Protection Strategy

Working Lands Protection Strategy

1. $400,000 grant from the North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund.  This is a two-year, two-phase program where county ‘teams’ will assist RASP and BRAC RTF in preparation of Farmland Preservation Plans. This will become a sustainability model for the state and defense communities nationwide.  Each Working Lands Protection Plan will be tailored to the specific needs and desires of each county in the region and will depend upon the adoption of Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) ordinances in each county - programs to encourage the preservation of farmland.  Currently, six of the 11 BRAC-impacted counties -- Bladen, Cumberland, Moore, Lee, Sampson and Scotland -- have adopted VAD ordinances. This grant will aid programs in these counties and assist the other five counties - Harnett, Hoke, Montgomery, Robeson and Richmond -- in developing programs.
2. Year One: Develop a regional program, engagement of agriculture/forestry stakeholders, produce ‘Southeastern NC Working Lands Protection Plan’ with financial incentives to keep working lands in production.  Priority consideration to: working lands adjacent to or near Fort Bragg and Camp Mackall; and other working lands best suited to ‘Feed the Fort’ or to serve local markets
Year Two:  Recruit landowners/ producers; expand sustainable agriculture and forestry practices. Implementation will determine highest-priority working lands, enroll participating landowners in EVAD (Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural Districts) program and execute lease/purchase agreements or easements.
3. Partners include:  N.C. Forestry Association, Sustainable Fort Bragg, Sustainable Sandhills and Moore County Cooperative Extension