North Carolina Resources

Present-Use Value Tax Program (PUV): A qualifying property can be assessed for property tax purposes based on its use as agricultural, horticultural, wildlife, or forest land. The present-use value of the land is based solely on its ability to produce income, rather than its market value. Administered by the county assessors. To qualify there is a minimum acreage requirement of ten acres for agriculture, five acres for horticulture and twenty acres for forest use and wildlife. Other requirements apply.

Wildlife Conservation Land Program (WCLP): A program that allows landowners who have owned their property for at least 5 years and want to manage for protected wildlife species or priority wildlife habitats to apply for reduced property tax assessment.

Voluntary Agricultural Districts (VAD): A program designed to encourage and protect commercial agriculture. Administered at the county level. Basic requirement is that the land be enrolled in a PUV program or meet other qualifications.

Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural Districts (EVAD): A VAD formed of one or more farms that are subject to an irrevocable ten-year agreement to limit development. In addition to VAD benefits landowners may be eligible to receive a higher percentage of cost-share under the Agricultural Cost Share Program-as high as 90 percent assistance.

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP): This program is administered by NRCS. It assists landowners in addressing high-priority conservation issues, identified by local, state, or tribal governments or nonprofit organizations. In exchange for introducing conservation practices, farmers, ranchers and agricultural landowners are paid an annual rental rate.

North Carolina Forest Development Program (FDP): This program is administered by the North Carolina Forest Service . It is designed to encourage private landowners to reforest after harvest and to place their idle and under-productive forestland into full timber production.

Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP): Administered through North Carolina’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources, this program works with willing landowners to improve and protect North Carolina’s natural resources . Land benefits include permanent protection of the property through conservation agreements or through sale or donation of their land.

Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund (ADFP): Administered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, this program provides information and assistance to landowners regarding applications for VADs, EVADs and Farmland Protection Plans .

Conservation Trust for North Carolina (CTNC): Works with landowners to conserve land through conservation agreements . Also supports and represents 23 local land trusts in NC so they can conserve land in the communities they serve .

North Carolina Forest Association Working Lands Trust (NCFA) : Serves as a trust fund for organizations and agencies interested in funding the maintenance of working lands, and to facilitate conservation tools for landowner and protection needs for working lands.

Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD): A sub-unit of state government that can assist with implementing ADFP and provide technical assistance with EEP implementation, among other conservation activities.

The Conservation Fund: Mission is to save land for future generations. Seek to balance environmental and economic goals for a win-win.

Conservation Trust for North Carolina: Works with local land trusts, landowners, communities, and government agencies to protect North Carolina’s streams, forests, farms, scenic vistas, wildlife habitat, parks and trails.

My Land Plan: For woodland owners. Information on resources. List of cost-share programs available under USDA Farm Bill. Information on how to apply for financial assistance.

Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) Service Center Locator
Farm Bill ​Program Information: Provides farmers and ranchers financial and technical assistance to implement conservation methods.

North Carolina Appraisal Board: Provides information on finding a qualified appraiser as well as a Search feature which allows you verify appraiser licensure.

North Carolina Board of Registration for Foresters: Provides an alphabetical list of registered foresters in North Carolina (under Registered Foresters tab).

North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service: Provides the public meetings, workshops, personal consultations and other educational opportunities on topics related to sustainable agriculture, forestry and protecting the environment.

North Carolina Soil and Water Conservation Districts: Deliver state and federal Farm Bill conservation programs involving water quality practices, farmland protection, wetlands restoration and wildlife habitat enhancement.

North Carolina State Board of Certified Public Accountant Examiners
Provides information helpful in selecting a CPA.

NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Trust Fund
Provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness and forest; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources.

North Carolina East Alliance: Works with state, local and national economic development organizations to help existing industry expand through marketing and recruitment, building economic capacity, and location assistance.

North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office of Land and Water Stewardship http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/cpca/home
Promotes collaborative stewardship among North Carolina’s citizens, government regulators and the business community in order to maintain and enhance the environment and natural resources.

North Carolina Farm Bureau: A private, nonprofit, grassroots organization that promotes farm and rural issues through governmental relations, marketing, field representation, agricultural education, member services and more.

North Carolina State Bar: Provides a list of practicing lawyers as well as information helpful in choosing a lawyer.

North Carolina Forest Service: State agency that promotes the protection, management and development of NC’s forest resources. Offices are located in every county.

North Carolina Forestry Association: Is a private, nonprofit organization which promotes healthy, productive forests by supporting the efforts of landowners and forest related businesses and organizations who responsibly manage and use their forests.

​Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program (SPBPP): This cost-share program, administered by USDA Forest Service, aims to prevent outbreaks of the Southern pine beetle. The U.S Forest Service will reimburse private forest landowners 50 percent of actual or prevailing cost on practices that manage young pine stand for prevention of Southern pine beetle infestations.

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