Resources For Landowners

North Carolina landowners have access to a wide range of programs that can help them achieve their goals of conserving natural resources and increasing the economic viability of their farms. Funding for these programs comes from federal and state agencies, and eligibility varies widely by county, region and type of farm.

Information Resources

These are large files that may download slowly.

Planning for an Agricultural Future: A Guide for North Carolina Farmers and Local Governments - Information about various landowner options are outlined in a recent publication produced by American Farmland Trust with an expert advisory committee. Download a copy here.

• Of particular interest for landowners is Section III. Planning for Conservation and the Environment, which explains conservation programs that can help farmers in their role as stewards of the environment.

Voluntary Conservation Agreements: An Introduction for North Carolina Land Owners - This brochure answers basic questions that a landowner might have about conservation agreements (easements). Published by the Conservation Trust for North Carolina. Download a copy here.

Conservation and Historic Preservation Easements to Preserve North Carolina's Heritage - This booklet clarifies distinctions between conservation and historic preservation agreements and details regarding state and federal tax benefits. Published by the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust. Download a copy here.

Contact information for these conservation programs can be found here: