First established in 2023, the Chatham Agricultural Preservation & Development Trust Fund (CAPD) provides grants to eligible conservation nonprofit organizations to facilitate and acquire agricultural conservation easements on working lands in Chatham County. An agricultural conservation easement is a voluntary, legally binding agreement between a private landowner and a qualified organization (like a land trust) that permanently limits development and supports the continuation of agriculture and forestry. While the landowner retains ownership, the restrictions run with the land in perpetuity. 

The application period for CAPD grants coincides with the application period for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, our main partner agency, which varies annually. Organizations interested in applying for Chatham County farmland preservation grants should fill out the “Application Interest Notification” form linked below. Chatham County landowners interested in permanently preserving their working farm and forestry land should contact the Chatham County farmland preservation coordinator at the contact information below for a free, no-obligation consultation or complete the Landowner Inquiry Form. General inquiries about farmland preservation initiatives in Chatham County should also be directed to the farmland preservation coordinator.

Farmland Preservation Program Guidelines

Are you interested in applying? Please fill out our Application Interest Notification form so we can reach out to you.

Chatham County Farmland Preservation Coordinator contact information:
Andrew Waters
e-mail: andrew.waters@chathamcountync.gov
Phone: (919) 545-8447

About The Chatham Agricultural Preservation & Development Trust Fund

On October 17, 2022, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to establish the first-ever county-based trust fund aimed at supporting agricultural preservation and development within Chatham County. 

Chatham Agricultural Preservation & Development Trust Fund Presentation PDF

Are you or your family interested in learning more about a permanent conservation easement for your farm? Please fill out our Landowner Inquiry Form.