The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program works to preserve the county’s best agricultural land to better direct and accommodate growth and development in Wake County. The goals are to:
- Permanently protect and conserve land for agricultural uses
- Harmonize policies of government at all levels which may conflict with the goal of protection of farmland
- Reduce land use conflicts between agricultural and other land use
What is a Conservation Easement?
The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program works to preserve the county’s best agricultural land to better direct and accommodate growth in Wake County. The easement is a recorded deed in which the landowner enters an agreement with the Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District to keep the land available for agriculture and/or forestry. It restricts subdivision/non-farm development on that land that would be incompatible with horticulture, agriculture and/or forestry. These restrictions are designed to protect the conservation values of the property. The binding agreement stays with the property even as it changes ownership and is regularly monitored by our staff and Advisory Board.
What are the Benefits of a Conservation Easement?
- Tax benefits that may include tax incentives, federal income tax reduction and estate tax deduction.
- Protect farming and family heritage.
- Protect property from development pressure.
- Protect local food production and food resilience.
Interested?
Our Farmland Preservation Coordinator is here to help guide you through the steps of this program and answer any questions or concerns you might have. Fill out this form if you’d like to learn more and we’ll reach out and help you explore the benefits of this valuable conservation tool!