McDowell County has established a Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program to protect and preserve agricultural lands and activities. Learn about the qualifications for this program and the benefits of enrolling your land in the Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program by attending a session on November 19, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Online registration is on Eventbrite.

We will discuss the benefits of enrolling in the Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program, the benefits of the Present Use Value Program and the resources available to help get your farm enrolled. We will also discuss the Agriculture Advisory Council and its role in the Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program.

We currently have 1 vacancy on the Agriculture Advisory Board. We encourage volunteers to visit the McDowell County website to apply for the board and other volunteer opportunities.

Who: McDowell County Land Owners who own at least one tract that meets the following minimum acreage requirements:

Agriculture—10 acres in actual production (actively engaged in the
commercial production or growing of crops, plants, or animals).

Horticulture—5 acres in actual production (actively engaged in the
commercial production or growing of fruits and vegetables or nursery and
floral products).

Forestry—20 acres in actual production (actively engaged in the commercial
growing of trees).

What: Learn about the benefits of enrolling your land in the Voluntary Agricultural District Program, and ask questions about getting enrolled in the program.

When: Tuesday, November 19, 2023, at 9 a.m.

Where: McDowell County Admin Building, 60 E. Court St., Marion, 2nd-floor conference room and online.

Why: To protect and preserve land in McDowell County for Agriculture use for generations to come.

For more information please contact Matt Burneisen, (828) 652-8104.

Keep McDowell Beautiful – N.C. Cooperative Extension, McDowell County Center