Title
Receive a presentation and vote to approve FY2026 Chatham Agricultural Preservation and Development Farmland Grant Awards and Triangle Lands Conservancy Partner Update
Abstract
The Chatham Agricultural Preservation and Development (CAPD) Trust Fund was established to award farmland preservation grants for the acquisition of permanent working farmland conservation easements and other projects to preserve and promote agriculture in Chatham County. This is the third year of the annual CAPD grant award cycle.
Chatham Farmland Preservation Program staff are seeking funding for four farmland preservation grants for the current FY2026 cycle totaling $591,800. Four project preserving approximately 411 of Chatham County Farmland will be presented in addition to an organizational capacity grant of $75,000 to the Triangle Lands Conservancy in support of their farmland preservation work in the county.
In addition, staff from Triangle Lands Conservancy will briefly update BOC members on their current and future farmland preservation activities in Chatham County.
Discussion & Analysis: The Chatham County Board of Commissioners established the county’s farmland preservation program in October 2022. So far, the CAPD has had two grant cycles in FY2024 and FY2025. After a grant application and review process, farmland preservation staff is presenting a slate of four farmland preservation grants recommended for FY2026 awards.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: The 2017 Chatham County Comprehensive Plan supports both the broad preservation of Chatham County farms and rural areas and the acquisition of working farmland conservation easements using designated local and state funds.
• “Preserving rural character” was identified as the most important goal for the “Plan Chatham.” (p. 18)
• “Preserving, protecting, and enabling agriculture and forestry” is a primary goal of “Plan Chatham.” (p. 93)
• “Supporting permanent, voluntary protection of agricultural lands” is AGR Policy 5 of “Plan Chatham.” “Implementing a county-led farmland protection program” is Strategy 5.1 for this policy.
Budgetary Impact: Funding will come from Article 46 funds already designated for farmland preservation. No other budgetary impact is anticipated.
Recommendation/Motion: Motion to approve FY2026 Chatham Agricultural Preservation and Farmland Preservation Grant Awards and Triangle Land Conservancy Partner Update.